Johnson Controls International plc (JCI)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Industrial And Commercial Machinery And Computer Equipment > SIC 3585 Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=833444. Latest filing source: 0000833444-25-000097.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 23,596,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2025-11-14 |
| Net income | 3,291,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2025-11-14 |
| Assets | 37,939,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2025-11-14 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2025-11-14. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000833444.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 22,835,000,000 | 23,400,000,000 | 23,968,000,000 | 22,317,000,000 | 23,668,000,000 | 20,637,000,000 | 22,331,000,000 | 22,952,000,000 | 23,596,000,000 | |||||
| Net income | -868,000,000 | 1,611,000,000 | 2,162,000,000 | 5,674,000,000 | 631,000,000 | 1,637,000,000 | 1,532,000,000 | 1,849,000,000 | 1,705,000,000 | 3,291,000,000 | ||||
| Gross profit | 5,654,000,000 | 7,530,000,000 | 7,667,000,000 | 7,693,000,000 | 7,411,000,000 | 8,059,000,000 | 7,090,000,000 | 7,804,000,000 | 8,077,000,000 | 8,592,000,000 | ||||
| Diluted EPS | -1.29 | 1.71 | 2.32 | 6.49 | 0.84 | 2.27 | 2.19 | 2.69 | 2.52 | 5.03 | ||||
| Operating cash flow | 556,000,000 | 701,000,000 | 829,000,000 | 542,000,000 | 2,479,000,000 | 2,551,000,000 | 1,237,000,000 | 1,856,000,000 | 1,568,000,000 | 2,554,000,000 | ||||
| Capital expenditures | 1,249,000,000 | 760,000,000 | 645,000,000 | 586,000,000 | 443,000,000 | 552,000,000 | 487,000,000 | 446,000,000 | 494,000,000 | 434,000,000 | ||||
| Dividends paid | 790,000,000 | 762,000,000 | 916,000,000 | 980,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 976,000,000 | ||||||||
| Share buybacks | 501,000,000 | 651,000,000 | 300,000,000 | 5,983,000,000 | 2,204,000,000 | 1,307,000,000 | 1,441,000,000 | 625,000,000 | 1,246,000,000 | 5,991,000,000 | ||||
| Assets | 63,179,000,000 | 51,884,000,000 | 48,797,000,000 | 42,287,000,000 | 40,815,000,000 | 41,890,000,000 | 42,158,000,000 | 42,242,000,000 | 42,695,000,000 | 37,939,000,000 | ||||
| Stockholders' equity | 24,118,000,000 | 20,447,000,000 | 21,164,000,000 | 19,766,000,000 | 17,447,000,000 | 17,562,000,000 | 16,268,000,000 | 16,545,000,000 | 16,098,000,000 | 12,927,000,000 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 579,000,000 | 301,000,000 | 185,000,000 | 2,805,000,000 | 1,951,000,000 | 1,336,000,000 | 2,029,000,000 | 828,000,000 | 606,000,000 | 379,000,000 | ||||
| Free cash flow | 2,036,000,000 | 1,999,000,000 | 750,000,000 | 1,410,000,000 | 1,074,000,000 | 2,120,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 7.05% | 9.24% | 23.67% | 2.83% | 6.92% | 7.42% | 8.28% | 7.43% | 13.95% | |||||
| Return on equity | -3.60% | 7.88% | 10.22% | 28.71% | 3.62% | 9.32% | 9.42% | 11.18% | 10.59% | 25.46% | ||||
| Return on assets | -1.37% | 3.11% | 4.43% | 13.42% | 1.55% | 3.91% | 3.63% | 4.38% | 3.99% | 8.67% | ||||
| Current ratio | 1.05 | 1.04 | 1.05 | 1.37 | 1.22 | 1.10 | 1.04 | 0.97 | 0.94 | 0.93 |
Financial Charts
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000833444.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-06-30 | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2022-12-31 | 0.17 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-03-31 | 0.19 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-06-30 | 7,133,000,000 | 1,049,000,000 | 1.53 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-09-30 | 6,906,000,000 | 549,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2023-12-31 | 6,094,000,000 | 374,000,000 | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-31 | 6,699,000,000 | -277,000,000 | -0.41 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-30 | 7,231,000,000 | 975,000,000 | 1.45 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-09-30 | 2,928,000,000 | 633,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2024-12-31 | 5,426,000,000 | 419,000,000 | 0.63 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | 5,676,000,000 | 478,000,000 | 0.72 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | 6,052,000,000 | 701,000,000 | 1.07 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-09-30 | 6,442,000,000 | 1,693,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2025-12-31 | 5,797,000,000 | 524,000,000 | 0.85 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q2 | 2026-03-31 | 6,142,000,000 | 613,000,000 | 1.00 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0000833444-26-000050.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Cautionary Statements for Forward-Looking Information
Unless otherwise indicated, references to "Johnson Controls," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Johnson Controls International plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, synergies and integration opportunities, capital expenditures, debt levels and market outlook are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The Company cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: the ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance and meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements; the ability to manage general economic, business and capital market conditions, including the impacts of trade restrictions, recessions, economic downturns and global price inflation; the ability to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including tariffs, economic sanctions, foreign exchange and capital controls, import/export controls or other trade restrictions as well as any associated supply chain disruptions; the ability to execute on the Company's operating model and drive organizational improvement; the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging technologies, ideas and trends in the marketplace, including the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence; fluctuations in the cost and availability of public and private financing for customers; the ability to manage disruptions caused by international conflicts, including Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East; the ability to successfully execute and complete portfolio simplification actions, as well as the possibility that the expected benefits of such actions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; managing the risks and impacts of potential and actual security breaches, cyberattacks, privacy breaches or data breaches, maintaining and improving the capacity, reliability and security of the Company's enterprise information technology infrastructure; the ability to manage the lifecycle cybersecurity risk in the development, deployment and operation of the Company's digital platforms and services; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; the ability to hire and retain senior management and other key personnel; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies, or interpretations that impact business operations or tax status; the ability to adapt to global climate change, climate change regulation and successfully meet the Company's public sustainability commitments; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; the ability to manage disruptions caused by catastrophic or geopolitical events, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, political change, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; any delay or inability of the Company to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; labor shortages, work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls' business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Johnson Controls' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2025 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on November 14, 2025, which is available at www.sec.gov and www.johnsoncontrols.com under the "Investors" tab. The description of certain of these risks is supplemented in Item 1A of Part II of Johnson Controls subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document.
Overview
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
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The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and retrofitting building products and systems, including commercial heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, controls, security and fire-protection space) and energy-management consulting. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities, together with its direct channel capabilities, to deliver solutions and services addressing distinct and diverse operating environments and regulatory requirements that address customers’ needs in their core missions.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the September 30, 2025 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, along with management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2025 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2025. References in the following discussion and analysis to "Three Months," "Second Quarter" or similar language refer to the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, while "Year-to-Date" refers to six months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2025.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for the Company’s products, services and solutions is driven by commercial, institutional, industrial, data center and governmental construction, industrial facility expansion, retrofit activity, maintenance projects and other capital investments in buildings within the sectors that the Company serves. Construction and other capital investment projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for real estate and availability of credit, public funding or other sources of financing. In addition, most real estate developers rely heavily on project financing in order to initiate and complete projects. Positive or negative fluctuations in these dependencies could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company maintains global operations. The Company has experienced, and could again experience, increased material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends including the imposition of tariffs and other restrictive trade measures. The United States has announced tariffs and reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of products manufactured or produced worldwide, including Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, India and Mexico, among others.. Several countries have similarly announced reciprocal or other tariffs impacting products manufactured or produced in the United States. In addition, the United States and other nations have, and may in the future, pause, reimpose, decrease or increase tariffs. Although the Company has been largely able to mitigate the impact of tariffs that have been enacted to date, if additional tariffs and reciprocal tariffs are implemented (whether as currently proposed or otherwise), such actions could negatively impact the Company's revenue growth and margins in future periods through decreased sales and increased cost of goods sold. In February 2026, certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the United States has since imposed new tariffs and duties in their place. The Company is currently evaluating its options to mitigate the impact of prior IEEPA tariffs through participation in the IEEPA refund process. To date, the tariffs enacted by the United States and other countries have not had a material impact on the Company's financial performance for the periods presented.
Geopolitical and economic tensions, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, have the potential to cause disruptions in global supply chains, increase costs and create overall volatility. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted energy supplies and supply chains, increased costs for energy and other supplies and created volatility in the capital markets, among other impacts. The net effect of these events will continue to depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset their impacts.
The Company is taking actions to mitigate the actual and anticipated impact of ongoing trade restrictions and geopolitical conflict, including strengthening the Company's in region, for region manufacturing strategy, pivoting to local sourcing in its supply chain, accelerating pricing actions and asserting contractual rights through change orders. The Company has historically taken a variety of actions to mitigate trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions and inflation, including through expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, accelerated purchasing and productivity improvements. These actions have largely been successful in mitigating the impacts of the current macroeconomic environment, however, it is uncertain as to whether the actions taken or contemplated to be taken by the Company will be effective in continuing to mitigate the impact of current and future trade restrictions and their related impacts. The Company continues to actively monitor and evaluate the development and potential impacts of tariffs, trade restrictions and geopolitical conflicts on its supply chain and results of operations.
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As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which results in non-U
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Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, serving a wide range of customers around the globe. The Company’s products and solutions advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to serve people, places and the planet. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and retrofitting building products and systems, including commercial heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, controls, security and fire-protection space) and energy-management consulting. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities, together with its direct channel service and solutions capabilities, to deliver solutions and services addressing distinct and diverse operating environments and regulatory requirements that address customers’ needs in their core missions. On April 1, 2025, the Company, as part of ongoing initiatives to drive simplification, accelerate growth, better reflect its organizational and operational structure and align with the manner in which the Company's chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions regarding the allocation of resources following portfolio simplification actions, realigned into three reportable segments (Americas, EMEA and APAC) from four reportable segments (Global Products, Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA and Building Solutions APAC). The Company began reporting under this segment structure on April 1, 2025.
The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results,
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financial condition and liquidity of the Company on a continuing operations basis for the year ended September 30, 2025 and should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for the Company’s products and solutions is heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for real estate and the availability of credit, public funding or other financing sources. Positive or negative fluctuations in these dependencies could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company maintains global operations. The United States has announced tariffs and reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of products manufactured or produced worldwide, including Canada, China, the European Union, Japan and Mexico, among others. Several countries have similarly announced reciprocal or other tariffs impacting products manufactured or produced in the United States. In addition, the United States and other nations have, and may in the future, pause, reimpose, decrease or increase tariffs. Although the Company has been largely able to mitigate the impact of tariffs that have been enacted to date, if additional tariffs and reciprocal tariffs are implemented (whether as currently proposed or otherwise), such actions could negatively impact the Company's revenue growth and margins in future periods through decreased sales and increased cost of goods sold. Further, the Company has experienced, and could again experience, increased material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends including the imposition of tariffs and other restrictive trade measures, as well as geopolitical and economic tensions. The net effect of these events will continue to depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset their impact.
The Company is taking actions to mitigate the actual and anticipated impact of these events, including strengthening the Company's in region, for region manufacturing strategy, pivoting to local sourcing in its supply chain, accelerating pricing actions and asserting contractual rights through change orders. The Company has historically taken a variety of actions to mitigate trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions and inflation, including through expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, accelerated purchasing and productivity improvements. These actions have largely been successful mitigating the impacts of the current macroeconomic environment, however, it is uncertain as to whether the actions taken or contemplated to be taken by the Company will be effective in continuing to mitigate the impact of current and future trade restrictions and their related impacts. The Company continues to actively monitor and evaluate the development and potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions on its supply chain and results of operations.
As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which results in non-U.S. currency risks and exchange exposure. While the Company employs financial instruments to hedge some of its transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate it completely from those exposures. In addition, currency exposure from the translation of non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries cannot be hedged. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could increase or reduce the Company’s profit margin, respectively, and impact the comparability of results from period to period.
The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for its products and services that enable smart, safe, efficient and sustainable buildings, which are driven in part by government tax incentives, building performance standards and other regulations designed to limit emissions and combat climate change. In particular, legislative and regulatory initiatives such as the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, EU Heat Transition, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive include provisions designed to fund and encourage investment in decarbonization and digital technologies for buildings. This demand is supplemented by an increase in commitments in both the public and private sectors to reduce emissions and/or achieve net zero emissions. In addition, the increased maturity and adoption of AI and high-performance computing is currently impacting the microchip and data center industry and driving technology innovation, which has led to increased demand for hyperscale and data center cooling solutions that deliver heat management and energy efficiency. The Company seeks to capitalize on these trends to enable delivery of sustainable, high-efficiency products and tailored services to enable customers to achieve their sustainability, heat management and energy efficiency goals. The Company is leveraging its install base, together with data-driven products and services, to offer outcome-based solutions to customers with a focus on generating accelerated growth in services and recurring revenue.
Certain of our customers, including governmental and institutional customers, have exhibited increased uncertainty regarding future spending decisions due to various political and economic factors, including budget reductions, reprioritization of spending, interest rate fluctuation and economic uncertainty. This uncertainty has and may in the future impact on the Company's ability to predict and forecast the revenue and backlog associated with these customers.
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The extent to which the Company’s results of operations and financial condition are impacted by these and other factors in the future will depend on developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. See Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks.
Portfolio Simplification Transactions
The Company continues to engage in an ongoing evaluation of its non-core product lines in connection with its objective to be a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. On July 31, 2025, the Company completed the divestiture of its Residential and Light Commercial ("R&LC") HVAC business to Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”) for net cash proceeds of approximately $5.6 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses. The R&LC HVAC business included the Company's North America Ducted business and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Holding (UK) Ltd., the Company’s global residential joint venture with Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.
Restructuring and Cost Optimization Initiatives
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company committed to a multi-year restructuring plan to address stranded costs and further right-size global operations as a result of previously announced portfolio simplification actions. It is expected that one-time restructuring costs, including severance and other employee termination benefits, contract termination costs, and certain other related cash and non-cash charges, of approximately $400 million will be incurred over the course of fiscal 2025, 2026 and 2027, resulting in expected annual cost savings of approximately $500 million upon full completion of the plan. Restructuring and transformation costs in fiscal 2025 have been material, resulting in savings in 2025 and additional expected savings in fiscal 2026 and 2027. Restructuring costs will be incurred across all segments and Corporate functions. Refer to Note 16, "Restructuring and Related Costs," for an update on the restructuring plan.
FISCAL YEAR 2025 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2024
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 23,596 | $ | 22,952 | 3 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($1,430 million), partially offset by the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures ($786 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, consolidated net sales increased 6% over the prior year, driven by growth in Services across all segments as well as growth in Products and Systems, led by the Americas. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment. Refer to Note 4, "Revenue Recognition," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the net sales allocation between products and systems versus services revenue.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 15,004 | $ | 14,875 | 1 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 8,592 | 8,077 | 6 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 36.4 | % | 35.2 | % |
The increase in gross profit was primarily due to margin improvements in Products and Systems and increased volumes for both Products and Systems and Services. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,764 | $ | 5,661 | 2 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 24.4 | % | 24.7 | % |
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") was primarily due to higher costs to support operations ($277 million), higher transformation costs ($180 million), and the unfavorable impact of prior year earn-out adjustments ($68 million), partially offset by the net favorable impact of the prior year water systems AFFF settlement and related insurance recoveries ($422 million).
Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings. Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the water systems AFFF settlement.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Goodwill and other intangible asset impairments | $ | 206 | $ | 296 | ||||
| Held for sale impairments | — | 35 | ||||||
| Other impairments | 176 | 36 | ||||||
| Restructuring and related costs | 164 | 143 | ||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 546 | $ | 510 |
Refer to Note 6, "Property, Plant and Equipment," Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 16, "Restructuring and Related Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs | $ | 227 | $ | 381 | ||
| Other financing charges | 22 | 38 | ||||
| Gain on debt extinguishment | (2) | (25) | ||||
| Interest income | (19) | (17) | ||||
| Net foreign exchange on financing activities | 91 | (35) | ||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 319 | $ | 342 |
Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's debt.
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Income Tax Provision
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Income tax provision | $ | 245 | $ | 111 | ||
| Effective tax rate | 12 | % | 7 | % |
The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to non-recurring tax benefits in 2024. Refer to Note 17, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
In October 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD")/G20 inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the Inclusive Framework) published a statement updating and finalizing the key components of a two-pillar plan on global tax reform which has now been agreed upon by the majority of OECD members. Pillar One allows countries to reallocate a portion of residual profits earned by multinational enterprises ("MNE"), with an annual global revenue exceeding €20 billion and a profit margin over 10%, to other market jurisdictions. The adoption of Pillar One and its potential effective date remain uncertain. Pillar Two requires MNEs with an annual global revenue exceeding €750 million to pay a global minimum tax of 15%. The OECD has since issued administrative guidance providing transition and safe harbor rules around the implementation of the Pillar Two Global Minimum Tax. A number of countries, including Ireland, have enacted legislation to implement the core elements of Pillar Two, which is applicable to the Company in fiscal 2025. The OECD and governments are continuing to evaluate and adjust the Global Minimum Tax rules through legislative updates, administrative guidance, and adoption by additional countries, which could result in an increase in our effective tax rate.
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 1,789 | $ | 489 | 266 | % |
The increase in income from discontinued operations, net of tax was primarily due to the gain on sale of the R&LC HVAC business. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
The Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s CODM, evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources based on two profitability measures, Segment EBITA and Segment EBIT:
•Segment earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (“EBITA”) represents income from continuing operations, before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding corporate expenses, restructuring and impairment costs, AFFF related settlement costs and insurance recoveries, gains or losses on divestitures, net mark-to-market gains and losses related to pension and post-retirement plans and restricted asbestos investments, net finance charges, and amortization. Segment EBITA is used as a tool to allow the CODM to evaluate the recurring profitability of the segments, including revenues and expenses that are within the operational control of the segments, and excluding the impact of certain non-cash and non-recurring items. Segment EBITA also provides the CODM with performance comparability across periods and for more accurate benchmarking against peer companies that may not have similar historical acquisition activity, by holding constant the impact of significant acquisitions.
•Segment earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") represents Segment EBITA, adding back the impact of amortization of intangible assets. Segment EBIT allows the CODM to review profitability, inclusive of the impact of significant acquisition activity, informing the CODM of how the business is integrating key strategic initiatives and generating synergies.
Both EBITA and EBIT are reviewed by the CODM and compared against the profit plan and forecast for the current and prior year. Segment EBITA and Segment EBIT are not defined under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Measures of total assets by reportable segment are not provided to the CODM. Therefore, asset information by segment is not disclosed.
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Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):
| Year Ended September 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | EMEA | APAC | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 15,831 | $ | 4,968 | $ | 2,797 | ||||
| Cost of sales | 9,742 | 3,228 | 1,777 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 3,206 | 1,094 | 548 | |||||||
| Equity income (loss) | 1 | (3) | (4) | |||||||
| Segment EBITA | 2,882 | 649 | 476 | |||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 356 | 68 | 15 | |||||||
| Segment EBIT | $ | 2,526 | $ | 581 | $ | 461 |
| Year Ended September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | EMEA | APAC | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 15,606 | $ | 4,620 | $ | 2,726 | ||||
| Cost of sales | 9,922 | 3,024 | 1,692 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 3,003 | 996 | 558 | |||||||
| Equity income (loss) | 2 | 39 | (2) | |||||||
| Segment EBITA | 2,679 | 561 | 478 | |||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 379 | 80 | 17 | |||||||
| Segment EBIT | $ | 2,300 | $ | 481 | $ | 461 |
| Year Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | EMEA | APAC | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 14,529 | $ | 4,491 | $ | 3,311 | ||||
| Cost of sales | 9,241 | 3,035 | 2,102 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,945 | 1,039 | 602 | |||||||
| Equity income (loss) | — | (1) | (2) | |||||||
| Segment EBITA | 2,343 | 418 | 609 | |||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 337 | 74 | 15 | |||||||
| Segment EBIT | $ | 2,006 | $ | 344 | $ | 594 |
Refer to Note 18, "Segment Information," for a reconciliation of Segment EBITA and Segment EBIT to Income from continuing operations before income taxes.
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Net Sales
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Americas | $ | 15,831 | $ | 15,606 | 1 | % | ||||
| EMEA | 4,968 | 4,620 | 8 | % | ||||||
| APAC | 2,797 | 2,726 | 3 | % | ||||||
| $ | 23,596 | $ | 22,952 | 3 | % |
•The increase in Americas was primarily due to organic growth ($1,058 million), partially offset by the impact of divestitures ($799 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($34 million). Excluding the impact of divestitures and foreign currency translation, sales increased 7%, led by growth in Applied HVAC and Controls.
•The increase in EMEA was primarily due to organic growth ($295 million), favorable foreign currency translation ($40 million), and incremental sales related to the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($13 million). Excluding the impact of business acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency translation, sales growth was led by 8% growth in Services.
•The increase in APAC was primarily due to organic growth ($77 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales growth was led by 12% growth in Services.
Segment EBITA and Segment EBIT
| Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | 2025 | 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Americas | $ | 2,882 | $ | 2,679 | 8 | % | $ | 2,526 | $ | 2,300 | 10 | % | ||||||||||
| EMEA | 649 | 561 | 16 | % | 581 | 481 | 21 | % | ||||||||||||||
| APAC | 476 | 478 | — | % | 461 | 461 | — | % |
•The increases for Americas were primarily due to higher margin backlog conversion and volumes, partially offset by the impact of prior year earn-out adjustments.
•The increases in EMEA were primarily driven by productivity improvements and positive mix from the growth in Services.
•APAC was consistent with the prior year as increases in volume were offset by pricing challenges.
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Net Sales
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Americas | $ | 15,606 | $ | 14,529 | 7 | % | ||||
| EMEA | 4,620 | 4,491 | 3 | % | ||||||
| APAC | 2,726 | 3,311 | (18) | % | ||||||
| $ | 22,952 | $ | 22,331 | 3 | % |
•The increase in Americas was primarily due to organic growth. Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by Commercial and Applied HVAC & Controls, partially offset by declines in Fire & Security and Industrial Refrigeration.
•The increase in EMEA was primarily due to organic growth, including higher prices, and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by growth in Services.
•The decrease in APAC was primarily due to organic sales declines, the negative impact of foreign currency translation and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales decreased as Services growth was more than offset by weakness in the China Systems business.
Segment EBITA and Segment EBIT
| Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Americas | $ | 2,679 | $ | 2,343 | 14 | % | $ | 2,300 | $ | 2,006 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
| EMEA | 561 | 418 | 34 | % | 481 | 344 | 40 | % | ||||||||||||||
| APAC | 478 | 609 | (22) | % | 461 | 594 | (22) | % |
•The increases for Americas were primarily due to higher margin backlog conversion, continued growth in Services and operational efficiencies leading to productivity improvements. A favorable earn-out liability adjustment also contributed to the increase in EBITA and EBIT.
•The increases in EMEA were primarily due to growth in higher margin Services and productivity improvements.
•The decreases for APAC were primarily due to continued weakness in the Systems business in China.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||||||
| Current assets | $ | 10,162 | $ | 11,179 | (9) | % | ||||
| Current liabilities | (10,941) | (11,955) | (8) | % | ||||||
| Working capital | $ | (779) | $ | (776) | — | % | ||||
| Accounts receivable - net | $ | 6,269 | $ | 6,051 | 4 | % | ||||
| Inventories | 1,820 | 1,774 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 3,614 | 3,389 | 7 | % |
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Working capital at September 30, 2025 was consistent with September 30, 2024 as decreases in short-term debt and increases in accounts receivable and other current assets were offset by decreases in cash, working capital associated with dispositions and various current liabilities.
Cash Flows
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Continuing operations | ||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,554 | $ | 1,568 | ||
| Cash used by investing activities | (412) | (184) | ||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (6,784) | (1,948) | ||||
| Discontinued operations | ||||||
| Cash provided by discontinued operations | $ | 4,787 | $ | 361 |
•The increase in cash provided by operating activities reflects higher net income and favorable changes in accounts receivable, partially offset by the timing of accrued income tax payments.
•The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to proceeds from the ADTi divestiture in fiscal 2024, partially offset by the decrease in capital expenditures.
•The increase in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to the Accelerated Share Repurchase Transactions ("ASR Transactions").
•The increase in cash provided by discontinued operations was primarily due to the net proceeds from the sale of the R&LC HVAC business, partially offset by dividends paid.
Capitalization
| September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 723 | $ | 953 | ||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 566 | 536 | ||||
| Long-term debt | 8,591 | 8,004 | ||||
| Total debt | 9,880 | 9,493 | ||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 379 | 606 | ||||
| Net debt | $ | 9,501 | $ | 8,887 | ||
| Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders ("Equity") | $ | 12,927 | $ | 16,098 | ||
| Total capitalization (Total debt plus Equity) | 22,807 | 25,591 | ||||
| Net capitalization (Net debt plus Equity) | 22,428 | 24,985 | ||||
| Total debt as a % of Total capitalization | 43.3 | % | 37.1 | % | ||
| Net debt as a % of Net capitalization | 42.4 | % | 35.6 | % |
•Net debt and net debt as a percentage of net capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of net debt to net capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a view of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
•The Company's material cash requirements primarily consist of working capital requirements, repayments of long-term debt and related interest, operating leases, dividends, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions and share repurchases.
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•Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities. Interest payable on long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2025 is $326 million in the twelve months following September 30, 2025 and $3.3 billion thereafter.
•Refer to Note 8, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
•The Company received net cash proceeds related to the sale of its R&LC HVAC business of approximately $5.6 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses in connection with the close of the transaction on July 31, 2025. Consistent with its capital allocation policy and pursuant to its previously announced share repurchase authorization, the Company returned the net proceeds of the transaction to shareholders through the $5.0 billion ASR Transactions which were launched in August 2025 and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. The total number of the Company’s ordinary shares (the "Shares") to be repurchased under the ASR Transactions will be based on volume-weighted average prices of the Shares during the term of the ASR Transactions, less a discount and subject to customary adjustments.
•As of September 30, 2025, the Company had purchase obligations which were payable in the next twelve months of approximately $2 billion and payable thereafter of approximately $0.2 billion. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements, and do not represent all future expected purchases.
•As of September 30, 2025, the Company expects to contribute $23 million and $162 million to the global pension and postretirement plans in the next twelve months and thereafter, respectively.
•As of September 30, 2025, approximately $4.8 billion remains available under the Company's share repurchase authorization, which does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to repurchase outstanding shares from time to time depending on market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and economic environment.
•The Company declared dividends of $1.51 per share in fiscal 2025 and intends to continue paying quarterly dividends in fiscal 2026. The authority to declare and pay dividends is vested in the Board of Directors. The timing, declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of the Company's ordinary shares is determined by the Company's Board of Directors and depends upon many factors, including the Company's financial condition and results of operations, the capital requirements of the Company's businesses, industry practice and any other relevant factors.
•The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position, including cash and cash equivalents of $379 million at September 30, 2025, are adequate to fund operations and meet its cash obligations for the foreseeable future.
–The Company manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. Commercial paper outstanding was $400 million as of September 30, 2025 and $350 million as of September 30, 2024.
–The Company maintains a shelf registration statement with the SEC under which it may issue additional debt securities, ordinary shares, preferred shares, depository shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units that may be offered in one or more offerings on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Company anticipates that the proceeds of any offering would be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchases of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries.
–The Company has the ability to draw on its syndicated $2.5 billion committed revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in December 2028, and a syndicated $500 million committed revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in December 2025. There were no draws on the facilities as of September 30, 2025.
•The Company's ability to access the global capital markets and the related cost of financing is dependent upon, among other factors, the Company's credit ratings. As of September 30, 2025, the Company's credit ratings and outlook were as follows:
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| Rating Agency | Short-Term Rating | Long-Term Rating | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | A-2 | BBB+ | Stable | |||
| Moody's | P-2 | Baa1 | Stable |
The security ratings set forth above are issued by unaffiliated third-party rating agencies and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization at any time.
•Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities require a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures governing its notes and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
•The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient manners. The Company's intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
•The Company may from time to time purchase its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Purchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the following unsecured, unsubordinated senior notes (collectively, the "Notes") which were issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A. (“TFSCA”):
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due September 2027
•€600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Senior Notes due September 2028
•$700 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due April 2029
•$625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due September 2030
•$500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.000% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due September 2031
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due September 2032
•$650 million aggregate principal amount of 4.900% Senior Notes due December 2032
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Senior Notes due December 2033
•€800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Senior Notes due May 2035
TFSCA is a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”) and is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that
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is 99.924% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.076% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland. TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.
The following table presents the net loss attributable to the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the "Obligor Group") and the net loss attributable to intercompany transactions between the Obligor Group and subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries") which are excluded from the Net loss attributable to the Obligor Group (in millions):
| Year Ended September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net loss attributable to the Obligor Group | $ | 844 | |
| Net loss attributable to intercompany transactions | 56 |
The following table presents summarized balance sheet information as of September 30, 2025 (in millions):
| Obligor Group | Intercompany Balances | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 2,748 | $ | 6,161 | |||
| Noncurrent assets | 243 | 2,450 | |||||
| Current liabilities | 1,585 | 4,041 | |||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 8,473 | 22,450 | * |
*Includes $17 billion of intercompany loans that were canceled as the result of a distribution by a non-obligor subsidiary in October 2025.
The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following estimates are considered by management to be the most critical to the understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements as they require significant judgments that could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts on an over-time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Total estimated costs at completion are based primarily on estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends and other economic projections. Factors that may result in a change to these estimates include unforeseen engineering problems, construction delays, cost inflation, the performance of internal labor, subcontractors and major material suppliers, and weather conditions. As a result, changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract. Such estimates are reviewed monthly and any adjustments to the measure of completion are recognized as adjustments to sales and gross profit using the cumulative catch-up method. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.
For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. In order to estimate relative standalone selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the
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standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach.
The Company assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be one level below the Company's operating segments, using a qualitative assessment or a quantitative test. A qualitative assessment is performed when prior quantitative assessments have resulted in significant excess of fair value over the carrying value of a reporting unit, and consideration of qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit remains greater than its carrying value. When performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To estimate the fair value, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model, the guideline company method under the market approach, or estimated sales price for reporting units held for sale. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), weighted-average cost of capital, EBITDA multiples, and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying business, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
Management completed its fiscal 2025 annual impairment test as of July 31, which included a qualitative assessment of all of its reporting units. The Company did not identify any qualitative factors that suggest that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units is less than their carrying amount, including goodwill, and as such, a quantitative impairment test was not necessary.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing in the fourth fiscal quarter or as events occur or circumstances change that indicate the assets may be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were long-term revenue growth projections, weighted-average cost of capital, and the royalty rate. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations.
The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests are reasonable, different assumptions or changes in general industry, market and macro-economic conditions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, future impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the results of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing performed in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Pension Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits, including pensions, to eligible active and former employees. Pension plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, using various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return and compensation increases as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
The Company considers expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when estimating discount rates. Different discount rates are used for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction and the expected timing of benefit payments. The Company uses
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country-specific discount rates determined by an independent third party which are based on government and high-quality corporate bond yields.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions, asset mix and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. For fiscal 2026, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 6.65% for U.S. pension plans and 6.04% for non-U.S. pension plans. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The estimated changes in projected benefit obligation and future ongoing pension expense, excluding any potential mark-to-market adjustments, assuming an increase of 25 basis points in the key assumptions used for the Company's pension plans are immaterial.
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarial determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Liabilities and expenses for workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities are dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other companies, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The estimated liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs are based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present values from the time that the costs are expected to be incurred which in some cases is not until 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarial determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against its affiliates). Estimated asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. At least annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and its defense strategy. The Company also evaluates
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the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims or insurance receivable is warranted.
The Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. Estimated asbestos-related insurance recoveries represent estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers.
Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2025, the Company had a valuation allowance of $6.3 billion for continuing operations, of which $5.9 billion relates to net operating and capital loss carryforwards primarily in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, and the United Kingdom for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $0.4 billion for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2025, the Company had recorded a liability of $1.9 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 17, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, and interest rates. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the
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Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as a hedge of either a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge).
The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a qualitative assessment of the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $214 million and $144 million, respectively.
Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates, and, therefore, any fluctuation in market interest rates is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. A 100 basis point increase/decrease in the average interest rate on the Company's variable rate debt would have an immaterial impact on interest expense.
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Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties.
Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000833444-24-000064.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products, services, systems and solutions advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to serve people, places and the planet. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and retrofitting building products and systems, including residential and commercial HVAC equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, controls, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting. The Company's OpenBlue digital software platform enables enterprises to better manage their physical spaces by combining the Company's building products and services with cutting-edge technology and digital capabilities to enable data-driven “smart building” services and solutions. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities, powered by OpenBlue, together with its direct channel service and solutions capabilities, to deliver outcome-based solutions across the lifecycle of a building that address customers’ needs to improve energy efficiency, enhance security, create healthy environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company on a continuing operations basis for the year ended September 30, 2024 and should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for the Company’s products and solutions is driven by construction, facility expansion, retrofit and maintenance projects within the commercial, institutional, industrial, data center, governmental and residential sectors. Construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for real estate and the availability of credit, public funding or other financing sources. Positive or negative fluctuations in construction, industrial facility expansion, retrofit activity, maintenance projects and other capital investments in buildings within the sectors that the Company serves, as well as availability of credit, financing or funding for such projects, could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. During fiscal 2024, the Company observed continued softening of economic conditions in China, negatively impacting the performance of the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. The Company expects economic conditions in China to stabilize in fiscal 2025, however, if conditions do not stabilize, results of the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment could be negatively impacted.
As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company is therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While the Company employs financial instruments to hedge some of its transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate it completely from those exposures. In addition, the currency exposure from the translation of non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are not able to be hedged. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could increase or reduce the Company’s profit margin, respectively, and impact the comparability of results from period to period. During fiscal 2024, revenue and profits were negatively impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates against the U.S. dollar.
The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for its products and services that enable smart, safe, efficient and sustainable buildings, particularly within verticals including data centers, government, healthcare and higher education. This demand is driven in part by capital investment, government tax incentives, building performance standards and regulations designed to limit emissions and combat climate change. In particular, legislative and regulatory initiatives such as the U.S. Climate Smart Buildings Initiative, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive include provisions designed to fund and encourage investment in decarbonization and digital technologies for buildings. This demand is supplemented by an increase in commitments in both the public and private sectors to reduce emissions and/or achieve net zero emissions. The Company seeks to capitalize on these trends to drive growth by developing
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and delivering technologies and solutions to create smart, sustainable and healthy buildings. The Company is investing in new digital and product capabilities, including its OpenBlue platform, to enable it to deliver sustainable, high-efficiency products and tailored services to enable customers to achieve their objectives. The Company is leveraging its install base, together with data-driven products and services to offer outcome-based solutions to customers with a focus on generating accelerated growth in services and recurring revenue.
The Company has experienced, and could continue to experience, increased material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends, including increased global demand, geopolitical and economic tensions, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, and labor shortages. Actions taken by the Company to mitigate supply chain disruptions and inflation, including expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, price increases and productivity improvements, have historically been successful in offsetting some, but not all, of the impact of these trends. The collective impact of these trends has been favorable to revenue due to increased demand and price increases to offset inflation, while negatively impacting margins primarily due to ongoing cost pressures. Although the Company has experienced recent stabilization, it could experience further disruptions, and shortages and cost increases could occur in the future, the effect of which will depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset the impact of these events.
The extent to which the Company’s results of operations and financial condition are impacted by these and other factors in the future will depend on developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. See Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks.
Portfolio Simplification Transactions
The Company has been engaged in an ongoing evaluation of its non-core product lines in connection with its objective to be a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company completed the sale of its Air Distribution Technologies business included within the Global Products segment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Residential and Light Commercial ("R&LC") HVAC business to Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”) for approximately $8.1 billion in cash with the Company's portion of the aggregate consideration being approximately $6.7 billion, inclusive of an upfront royalty payment for the licensing of the York tradename. The R&LC HVAC business includes the Company's North America Ducted business and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Holding (UK) Ltd., the Company’s global residential joint venture with Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi”), of which the Company owns 60% and Hitachi owns 40%. The R&LC HVAC business, which was previously reported in the Global Products segment, meets the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, its historical financial results are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation, and assets and liabilities were reclassified as held for sale for all periods presented. The Company expects that the sale of the R&LC HVAC business will close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.
Cybersecurity Incident
During the weekend of September 23, 2023, the Company experienced a cybersecurity incident impacting its internal information technology ("IT") infrastructure and applications. The cybersecurity incident consisted of unauthorized access, data exfiltration and deployment of ransomware by a third party to a portion of the Company's internal IT infrastructure. The incident caused disruptions and limitation of access to portions of the Company's business applications supporting aspects of the Company's operations and corporate functions, which disruptions and limitations continued into the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
The Company’s investigation and remediation efforts remain ongoing, including the analysis of data accessed, exfiltrated or otherwise impacted during the cybersecurity incident. Based on the information reviewed to date, the Company has not observed evidence of any impact to its digital products, services and solutions, including OpenBlue and Metasys.
The overall impact of the cybersecurity incident did not have a material impact on net income, net of insurance recoveries, or cash flows from operations in fiscal 2024.
The Company maintains insurance covering certain losses associated with cybersecurity incidents. A substantial portion of direct costs incurred related to containing, investigating and remediating the incident, as well as business interruption losses, have been or are expected to be reimbursed through insurance recoveries. The timing of recognizing insurance recoveries may differ from the timing of recognizing the associated expenses.
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Restructuring and Cost Optimization Initiatives
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company committed to a multi-year restructuring plan to address stranded costs and further right-size its global operations as a result of previously announced portfolio simplification actions. It is expected that one-time restructuring costs, including severance and other employee termination benefits, contract termination costs, and certain other related cash and non-cash charges, of approximately $400 million will be incurred over the course of fiscal 2025, 2026 and 2027, resulting in expected annual cost savings of approximately $500 million upon full completion of the plan. The Company’s ability to execute the most significant aspects of the restructuring plan will be dependent on the timing of the close of the R&LC HVAC business divestiture transaction. Accordingly, the Company is unable to estimate the specific costs to be incurred and savings to be achieved in fiscal 2025; however, depending on the timing of the closing of the transaction and the ability to execute more significant aspects of the planned restructuring actions, the impact of costs on net income could be material in fiscal 2025. Restructuring costs will be incurred across all segments and Corporate functions.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2023
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 22,952 | $ | 22,331 | 3 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($790 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($98 million) and the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures ($71 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, consolidated net sales increased 4% over the prior year, as strong growth in Products and Systems in the Building Solutions North America segment and growth in Services in all Building Solutions segments were partially offset primarily by weakness in China's Systems/Install business. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 14,875 | $ | 14,527 | 2 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 8,077 | 7,804 | 3 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 35.2 | % | 34.9 | % |
The increase in gross profit was primarily due to higher gross profit in the Systems/Install and Services businesses of the Building Solutions segments, partially offset by the Global Products segment. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA").
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,661 | $ | 5,387 | 5 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 24.7 | % | 24.1 | % |
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") was primarily due to the net impact of the water systems AFFF settlement agreement costs net of insurance recoveries ($383 million), partially offset by the year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments ($100 million) and productivity improvements. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
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Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Goodwill and other intangible asset impairments | $ | 296 | $ | 212 | ||||
| Held for sale impairments | 35 | 498 | ||||||
| Long-lived and other tangible asset impairments | 36 | 78 | ||||||
| Restructuring and related costs | 143 | 261 | ||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 510 | $ | 1,049 |
Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," "Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations," Note 7, "Property, Plant and Equipment," Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 17, "Restructuring and Related Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs | $ | 381 | $ | 297 | ||
| Other financing charges | 38 | 50 | ||||
| Gain on debt extinguishment | (25) | (25) | ||||
| Interest income | (17) | (17) | ||||
| Net foreign exchange on financing activities | (35) | (47) | ||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 342 | $ | 258 |
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's debt.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | $ | 111 | $ | (468) | * | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 7 | % | (42) | % |
* Measure not meaningful
The fiscal 2024 effective tax rate was higher than fiscal 2023 primarily due to the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company’s investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestiture of its R&LC HVAC business, partially offset by lower tax reserve adjustments as the result of tax audit resolutions and expired statute of limitations for certain tax years, valuation allowance adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
In October 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD")/G20 inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the Inclusive Framework) published a statement updating and finalizing the key components of a two-pillar plan on global tax reform which has now been agreed upon by the majority of OECD members. Pillar One allows countries to reallocate a portion of residual profits earned by multinational enterprises ("MNE"), with an annual global revenue exceeding €20 billion and a profit margin over 10%, to other market jurisdictions. The adoption of Pillar One and its potential effective date remain uncertain. Pillar Two requires MNEs with an annual global revenue exceeding €750 million to pay a
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global minimum tax of 15%. The OECD has since issued administrative guidance providing transition and safe harbor rules around the implementation of the Pillar Two global minimum tax. A number of countries, including Ireland, have enacted legislation to implement the core elements of Pillar Two, which will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2025. The Company continues to evaluate the impact on future periods of Pillar Two, including legislative updates and adoption by additional countries, which could result in an increase to the effective tax rate.
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 489 | $ | 452 | 8 | % |
The increase in income from discontinued operations, net of tax was primarily due to decreased SG&A as a result of productivity improvements. Refer to Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2022
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 22,331 | $ | 20,637 | 8 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($1,947 million) and the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures ($113 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($366 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, consolidated net sales increased 9% over the prior year, attributable to increased pricing in response to inflation pressures. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 14,527 | $ | 13,547 | 7 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 7,804 | 7,090 | 10 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 34.9 | % | 34.4 | % |
Gross profit increased due to organic sales growth and favorable price/cost, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation and the year-over-year impact of net pension mark-to-market adjustments ($42 million). Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA").
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,387 | $ | 5,078 | 6 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 24.1 | % | 24.6 | % |
The increase in SG&A was primarily due to certain investments to support growth, transaction and separation costs, the year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments ($71 million) and a loss associated with a fire at a leased warehouse facility ($40 million), partially offset by the absence of non-recurring environmental remediation charges in the prior year ($255
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million) and positive foreign currency translation. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Goodwill and other intangible assets impairments | $ | 212 | $ | 310 | ||||
| Held for sale impairments | 498 | 229 | ||||||
| Long-lived asset impairments | 78 | — | ||||||
| Restructuring and related costs | 261 | 162 | ||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 1,049 | $ | 701 |
Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations," Note 7, "Property, Plant and Equipment," Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 17, "Restructuring and Related Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs | $ | 297 | $ | 221 | ||
| Other financing charges | 50 | 27 | ||||
| Gain on debt extinguishment | (25) | — | ||||
| Interest income | (17) | (6) | ||||
| Net foreign exchange results for financing activities | (47) | (37) | ||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 258 | $ | 205 |
Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's debt.
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | $ | (468) | $ | (182) | * | ||||
| Effective tax rate | (42) | % | (16) | % |
* Measure not meaningful
The statutory tax rate in Ireland of 12.5% is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland.
For fiscal 2023, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was (42)% and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the favorable tax impacts of intellectual property tax adjustments, tax reserve adjustments as the result of tax audit resolutions and remeasurements, valuation allowance adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of impairment and restructuring charges.
For fiscal 2022, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was (16%) and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the favorable impact of tax reserve adjustments as the result of expired statute of limitations for certain tax years and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of impairment and restructuring charges and the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestitures.
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Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 452 | $ | 429 | 5 | % |
The increase in income from discontinued operations, net of tax was primarily due to decreased SG&A as a result of productivity improvements. Refer to Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its segments primarily on segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding amortization of intangible assets, corporate expenses, restructuring and impairment costs, the water systems AFFF settlement costs and AFFF insurance recoveries, net financing charges, loss on divestiture and net mark-to-market gains and losses related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Building Solutions North America | $ | 11,348 | $ | 10,330 | 10 | % | $ | 1,663 | $ | 1,394 | 19 | % | |||||||||
| Building Solutions EMEA/LA | 4,296 | 4,096 | 5 | % | 391 | 316 | 24 | % | |||||||||||||
| Building Solutions Asia Pacific | 2,237 | 2,746 | (19) | % | 261 | 343 | (24) | % | |||||||||||||
| Global Products | 5,071 | 5,159 | (2) | % | 1,403 | 1,317 | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
| $ | 22,952 | $ | 22,331 | 3 | % | $ | 3,718 | $ | 3,370 | 10 | % |
Net Sales
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to organic growth ($957 million), incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($48 million) and the positive impact of foreign currency translation ($13 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions, sales growth was led by growth in Applied HVAC & Controls.
•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($233 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($6 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($39 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by growth in Services.
•The decrease in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was primarily due to organic sales declines ($440 million), the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($62 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($7 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales decreased as Services growth was more than offset by weakness in the China Systems business.
•The decrease in Global Products was due to the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($118 million) and the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($10 million), partially offset by organic growth ($40 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales increased as growth in Commercial HVAC was more than offset by declines in Fire & Security and Industrial Refrigeration.
Segment EBITA
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was primarily due to higher margin backlog conversion and continued growth in Services. A favorable earn-out liability adjustment also contributed to the increase.
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•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was primarily due to growth in higher margin Services and productivity improvements.
•The decrease in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was primarily due to continued weakness in the Systems business in China.
•The increase in Global Products was primarily driven by operational efficiencies leading to productivity improvements.
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Building Solutions North America | $ | 10,330 | $ | 9,367 | 10 | % | $ | 1,394 | $ | 1,122 | 24 | % | |||||||||
| Building Solutions EMEA/LA | 4,096 | 3,845 | 7 | % | 316 | 358 | (12) | % | |||||||||||||
| Building Solutions Asia Pacific | 2,746 | 2,714 | 1 | % | 343 | 332 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Global Products | 5,159 | 4,711 | 10 | % | 1,317 | 970 | 36 | % | |||||||||||||
| $ | 22,331 | $ | 20,637 | 8 | % | $ | 3,370 | $ | 2,782 | 21 | % |
Net Sales
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($979 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($29 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($45 million). Excluding the impacts of business acquisitions and foreign currency translation, sales growth was led by growth in HVAC & Controls and Fire & Security.
•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($324 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($29 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($102 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by growth in Fire & Security and HVAC & Controls.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($182 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($19 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($169 million). The economic conditions in China, specifically challenges in real estate, began negatively impacting the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, but had an insignificant impact on results for the full year. Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by continued demand for HVAC & Controls.
•The increase in Global Products was due to the net impact of higher prices and lower volumes ($462 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($36 million), partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($50 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions, sales growth was driven by strong price realization and growth in Commercial HVAC and Industrial Refrigeration products.
Segment EBITA
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was primarily due to favorable price/cost, volume leverage and productivity savings, partially offset by unfavorable project mix.
•The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA reflects the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($13 million) and higher expenses, partially offset by favorable price/cost.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was primarily due to favorable price/cost and productivity savings, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation ($25 million).
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•The increase in Global Products was primarily due to favorable price/cost and productivity savings, partially offset by unfavorable mix, lower gross margin due to lower manufacturing absorption, an uninsured loss associated with a fire at a leased warehouse facility and the negative impact of foreign currency translation.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||
| Current assets | $ | 11,179 | $ | 10,737 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | (11,955) | (11,084) | ||||||||
| (776) | (347) | * | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (606) | (828) | ||||||||
| Add: Short-term debt | 953 | 361 | ||||||||
| Add: Current portion of long-term debt | 536 | 645 | ||||||||
| Less: Current assets held for sale | (1,595) | (1,552) | ||||||||
| Add: Current liabilities held for sale | 1,431 | 1,375 | ||||||||
| Working capital (as defined) | $ | (57) | $ | (346) | * | |||||
| Accounts receivable - net | $ | 6,051 | $ | 5,494 | 10 | % | ||||
| Inventories | 1,774 | 1,872 | (5) | % | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 3,389 | 3,498 | (3) | % |
* Measure not meaningful
•The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and current assets and liabilities held for sale (when applicable). Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.
•The increase in working capital (as defined) at September 30, 2024 as compared to September 30, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable primarily due to discontinuing the receivable factoring program during the current year, partially offset by an increase in deferred revenue and accrued compensation and benefits.
Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,568 | $ | 1,856 | ||
| Cash used by investing activities | (184) | (1,093) | ||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (1,948) | (2,059) |
•The decrease in cash provided by operating activities reflects lower net income and the impact of higher accounts receivable and other asset balances, which was partially offset by the timing of accounts payable and accrued liabilities payments.
•The decrease in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the net impact of proceeds from the ADTi divestiture in fiscal 2024 and cash paid for the FM:Systems acquisition in fiscal 2023. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to acquisitions and divestitures.
•The decrease in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to changes in short- and long-term borrowing activity and stock repurchase activity. The net impact of debt proceeds and repayments generated cash of $405 million
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in fiscal 2024 and used cash of $457 million in fiscal 2023. This increase in cash used was substantially offset by higher stock repurchases.
Capitalization
| September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 953 | $ | 361 | ||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 536 | 645 | ||||
| Long-term debt | 8,004 | 7,818 | ||||
| Total debt | 9,493 | 8,824 | ||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 606 | 828 | ||||
| Net debt | $ | 8,887 | $ | 7,996 | ||
| Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ("Equity") | $ | 16,098 | $ | 16,545 | ||
| Total capitalization (Total debt plus Equity) | 25,591 | 25,369 | ||||
| Net capitalization (Net debt plus Equity) | 24,985 | 24,541 | ||||
| Total net debt as a % of Total capitalization | 34.7 | % | 31.5 | % | ||
| Total net debt as a % of Net capitalization | 35.6 | % | 32.6 | % |
•Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a view of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
•The Company's material cash requirements primarily consist of working capital requirements, repayments of long-term debt and related interest, operating leases, dividends, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions and share repurchases.
•Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities. Interest payable on long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2024 is $299 million in the twelve months following September 30, 2024 and $3.4 billion thereafter.
•Refer to Note 9, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
•As of September 30, 2024, the Company had purchase obligations which were payable in the next twelve months of approximately $2 billion and payable thereafter of approximately $120 million, substantially all of which relate to continuing operations. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements, and do not represent all future expected purchases.
•As of September 30, 2024, the Company expects to contribute $25 million and $204 million, of which $22 million and $179 million relates to continuing operations, to the global pension and postretirement plans in the next twelve months and thereafter, respectively.
•As of September 30, 2024, approximately $1.7 billion remains available under the Company's share repurchase authorization, which does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to repurchase outstanding shares from time to time depending on market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and economic environment.
•The Company declared dividends of $1.48 per share in fiscal 2024 and intends to continue paying quarterly dividends in fiscal 2025.
•The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position, including cash and cash equivalents of $606 million at September 30, 2024, are adequate to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future. The Company expects requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, minimum pension contributions,
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debt maturities and any potential acquisitions or stock repurchases in fiscal 2025 will be funded from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required.
–The Company manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. Commercial paper outstanding was $350 million as of September 30, 2024 and $200 million as of September 30, 2023.
–The Company maintains a shelf registration statement with the SEC under which it may issue additional debt securities, ordinary shares, preferred shares, depository shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units that may be offered in one or more offerings on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Company anticipates that the proceeds of any offering would be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchases of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries.
–The Company has the ability to draw on its syndicated $2.5 billion committed revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in December 2028, and a syndicated $500 million committed revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in December 2024. There were no draws on the facilities as of September 30, 2024.
•The Company's ability to access the global capital markets and the related cost of financing is dependent upon, among other factors, the Company's credit ratings. As of September 30, 2024, the Company's credit ratings and outlook were as follows:
| Rating Agency | Short-Term Rating | Long-Term Rating | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | A-2 | BBB+ | Stable | |||
| Moody's | P-2 | Baa2 | Positive |
The security ratings set forth above are issued by unaffiliated third-party rating agencies and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization at any time.
•The Company entered into the following debt transactions in fiscal 2024:
–Repaid $924 million of debt including the following:
▪$484 million Senior Notes due 2024 with interest rates of 3.625%
▪€300 million term loans with interest rates of Euro Interbank Offered Rate (" EURIBOR") plus 0.4% to 0.7%
▪Tendered $119 million of its Notes due 2045 with an interest rate of 5.125%
–Issued $1.3 billion of debt including the following:
▪Together with its wholly owned subsidiary, Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A., co-issued $700 million in 5.50% Senior Notes due in April 2029
▪€450 million short-term term loans with interest rates of EURIBOR plus 0.65% to 0.78% due in the first quarter of fiscal 2025
▪$100 million short-term term loan with an interest rate of 5.9% which is due in December 2024
•The Company expects to receive net cash proceeds related to the sale of its R&LC HVAC business of approximately $5.0 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses when the transaction closes, likely in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. Consistent with its capital allocation policy, the Company expects to use a portion of the proceeds to pay down debt to the extent required to retain its investment grade rating, with the remaining proceeds expected to be returned to shareholders through share repurchases.
•On April 12, 2024, Tyco Fire Products agreed to a settlement with a nationwide class of public water systems that detected PFAS in their drinking water systems that they allege to be associated with the use of AFFF. Under the terms of the agreement, Tyco Fire Products agreed to contribute $750 million to resolve these PFAS claims. Tyco Fire Products contributed an initial payment of $250 million in June 2024, with the remaining $500 million due by the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Prior to the date of the final contribution, Tyco Fire Products has agreed to contribute any applicable insurance recoveries in excess of the initial $250 million payment, up to the remaining $500 million due, within a specified period following the receipt of such recovery. During fiscal 2024, the Company recorded expected insurance recoveries of $371 million in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income and collected insurance recoveries of $349 million. In accordance with its agreement and recent insurance
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recovery, Tyco Fire Products made an additional payment during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 of approximately $85 million, reducing its final payment to approximately $415 million. The amounts and timing of any additional insurance recoveries are uncertain. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of the water systems settlement.
•Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities require a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures governing its outstanding notes, and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
•The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested except in limited circumstances. However, in fiscal 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense related to a change in the Company's assertion over the outside basis differences of the Company’s investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestiture of its R&LC HVAC business. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient manners. The Company's intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
•The Company may from time to time purchase its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Purchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the following unsecured, unsubordinated senior notes (collectively, "the Notes") which were issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A. (“TFSCA”):
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due 2027
•€600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Senior Notes due 2028
•$700 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2029
•$625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030
•$500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.000% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2031
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032
•$400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.900% Senior Notes due 2032
•€800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2035
TFSCA is a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”) and is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that is 99.924% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.076% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland. TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency,
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administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.
The following table presents the net loss attributable to the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the "Obligor Group") and the net income (loss) attributable to intercompany transactions between the Obligor Group and subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries") which are excluded from the Net loss attributable to the Obligor Group (in millions):
| Year Ended September 30, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net loss attributable to the Obligor Group | $ | 609 | |
| Net income attributable to intercompany transactions | 511 |
The following table presents summarized balance sheet information as of September 30, 2024 (in millions):
| Obligor Group | Intercompany Balances | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 1,339 | $ | 823 | |||
| Noncurrent assets | 243 | 7,522 | |||||
| Current liabilities | 6,726 | 2,789 | |||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 7,836 | 9,028 |
The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following estimates are considered by management to be the most critical to the understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements as they require significant judgments that could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Total estimated costs at completion are based primarily on estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends and other economic projections. Factors that may result in a change to these estimates include unforeseen engineering problems, construction delays, cost inflation, the performance of subcontractors and major material suppliers, and weather conditions. As a result, changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract. Such estimates are reviewed monthly and any adjustments to the measure of completion are recognized as adjustments to sales and gross profit using the cumulative catch-up method. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.
For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. In order to estimate relative standalone selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach.
The Company assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of
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revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s operating segments or one level below the operating segments, using a qualitative assessment or a quantitative test. A qualitative assessment is performed when prior quantitative assessments have resulted in significant excess of fair value over the carrying value of a reporting unit, and consideration of qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit remains greater than its carrying value. When performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To estimate the fair value, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model or estimated sales price for reporting units held for sale. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment test were management's projections of future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying business, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
Management completed its fiscal 2024 annual impairment test as of July 31, which included a qualitative assessment of all but one of its reporting units. The Company did not identify any qualitative factors that suggest that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units is less than their carrying amount, including goodwill, and as such, a quantitative impairment test was not necessary. The Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test of one reporting unit in the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment with $214 million of goodwill, and its fair value was in excess of its carrying value. However, for this reporting unit, a 200 basis point increase in the discount rate, or a 200 basis point decrease in the revenue growth rates, would cause the fair value to be less than the carrying value. While no impairment was recorded, it is possible that future changes in circumstances could result in a non-cash impairment charge. In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test as a result of a triggering event and impaired $230 million of goodwill in its Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing in the fourth fiscal quarter or as events occur or circumstances change that indicate the assets may be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were long-term revenue growth projections, weighted-average cost of capital, and the royalty rate. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations.
The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests are reasonable, different assumptions or changes in general industry, market and macro-economic conditions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, future impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the results of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing performed in fiscal 2024 and 2023.
Pension Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits, including pensions, to eligible active and former employees. Pension plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, using various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return and compensation increases as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
The Company considers expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when estimating discount rates. Different discount rates are used for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction and the expected timing of benefit payments. The Company uses country-specific discount rates determined by an independent third party which are based on government and high-quality corporate bond yields.
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In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions, asset mix and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. For fiscal 2025, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 6.50% for U.S. pension plans and 5.44% for non-U.S. pension plans. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The following chart illustrates the estimated increases (decreases) in projected benefit obligation and future ongoing pension expense, excluding any potential mark-to-market adjustments, assuming an increase of 25 basis points in the key assumptions used for the Company's pension plans (in millions):
| Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | $ | (28) | $ | 2 | $ | (40) | $ | 1 | ||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | — | (4) | — | (3) |
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarial determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present values from the time that the costs are expected to be incurred which in some cases is not until 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarial determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Estimated asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for
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resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. At least annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2024, the Company had a valuation allowance of $6.3 billion for continuing operations, of which $5.9 billion relates to net operating and capital loss carryforwards primarily in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, and the United Kingdom for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $0.4 billion for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2024, the Company had recorded a liability of $2.1 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, and interest rates. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as a hedge of either a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge).
The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a qualitative assessment of the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 11, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $144 million and $63 million, respectively.
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Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates, and, therefore, any fluctuation in market interest rates is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. A 100 basis point increase/decrease in the average interest rate on the Company's variable rate debt would have an immaterial impact on interest expense.
Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
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QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present selected quarterly financial data from continuing operations:
| (in millions, except per share data) (quarterly amounts unaudited) | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Full Year | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,209 | $ | 5,597 | $ | 5,898 | $ | 6,248 | $ | 22,952 | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,778 | 1,922 | 2,109 | 2,268 | 8,077 | |||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 340 | (318) | 851 | 538 | 1,411 | |||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls | 340 | (321) | 852 | 536 | 1,407 | |||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share | ||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.50 | (0.47) | 1.26 | 0.80 | 2.09 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted | 0.50 | (0.47) | 1.25 | 0.80 | 2.08 | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,155 | $ | 5,546 | $ | 5,777 | $ | 5,853 | $ | 22,331 | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,852 | 1,916 | 2,063 | 1,973 | 7,804 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | 101 | 45 | 947 | 488 | 1,581 | |||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Johnson Controls | 97 | 44 | 940 | 481 | 1,562 | |||||||||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.14 | 0.07 | 1.37 | 0.70 | 2.28 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted | 0.14 | 0.07 | 1.36 | 0.70 | 2.27 |
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000833444-23-000048.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products, services, systems and solutions advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to serve people, places and the planet. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and retrofitting building products and systems, including residential and commercial HVAC equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, controls, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven “smart building” services and solutions powered by its OpenBlue software platform and capabilities. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities, powered by OpenBlue, together with its direct channel service and solutions capabilities, to deliver outcome-based solutions across the lifecycle of a building that address customers’ needs to improve energy efficiency, enhance security, create healthy environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements. A detailed discussion of the 2022 to 2021 year-over-year changes are not included herein and can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 15, 2022 under the heading "Fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021" which is incorporated herein by reference.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for the Company’s products and solutions is driven by construction, facility expansion, retrofit and maintenance projects within the commercial, institutional, industrial, data center, governmental and residential sectors. Construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for real estate and the availability of credit, public funding or other financing sources. Positive or negative fluctuations in construction, industrial facility expansion, retrofit activity, maintenance projects and other capital investments in buildings within the sectors that the Company serves, as well as availability of credit, financing or funding for such projects, could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The economic conditions in China, specifically challenges in real estate, began negatively impacting the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company expects continued softening in China in fiscal 2024.
As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company is therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While the Company employs financial instruments to hedge some of its transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate it completely from those exposures. In addition, the currency exposure from the translation of non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are not able to be hedged. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could increase or reduce the Company’s profit margin, respectively, and impact the comparability of results from period to period. During fiscal 2023, revenue and profits were adversely impacted due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.
The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for its products and services that enable smart, safe, efficient and sustainable buildings. This demand is driven in part by government tax incentives, building performance standards and other regulations designed to limit emissions and combat climate change. In particular, legislative and regulatory initiatives such as the U.S. Climate Smart Buildings Initiative, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive include provisions designed to fund and encourage investment in decarbonization and digital technologies for buildings. This demand is supplemented by an increase in commitments in both the public and private sectors to reduce emissions and/or achieve net zero emissions. The Company seeks to capitalize on these trends to drive growth by developing and delivering technologies and solutions to create smart, sustainable and healthy buildings. The Company is
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investing in new digital and product capabilities, including its OpenBlue platform, to enable it to deliver sustainable, high-efficiency products and tailored services to enable customers to achieve their sustainability goals. The Company is leveraging its install base, together with data-driven products and services to offer outcome-based solutions to customers with a focus on generating accelerated growth in services and recurring revenue.
The Company has experienced, and could continue to experience, increased material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends, including increased global demand, geopolitical and economic tensions, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, and labor shortages. Actions taken by the Company to mitigate supply chain disruptions and inflation, including expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, price increases and productivity improvements, have generally been successful in offsetting some, but not all, of the impact of these trends. The collective impact of these trends has been favorable to revenue due to increased demand and price increases to offset inflation, while negatively impacting margins due to supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. However, during fiscal 2023, the Company observed improved margins as supply chain disruptions eased and higher priced backlog was converted to sales. Although the Company has experienced recent improvement in its supply chain, it could experience further disruptions, shortages and cost increases in the future, the effect of which will depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset the impact of these events.
The extent to which the Company’s results of operations and financial condition are impacted by these and other factors in the future will depend on developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. See Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks.
Cybersecurity Incident
During the weekend of September 23, 2023, the Company experienced a cybersecurity incident impacting its internal information technology ("IT") infrastructure and applications. The incident was detected shortly after receiving reports of outages to certain of the Company’s systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, the Company implemented its incident management and response plan and business continuity plans, including implementing remediation measures to mitigate the impact of the incident and restore affected systems and functions. The Company also engaged leading cybersecurity experts and other specialized consultants to assist in its investigation and remediation of the incident, as well as the restoration of impacted applications and systems. The Company’s investigation and remediation efforts remain ongoing, including the analysis of data accessed, exfiltrated or otherwise impacted during the cybersecurity incident. Based on the information reviewed to date, the Company believes the unauthorized activity has been contained and has not observed evidence of any impact to its digital products, services and solutions, including OpenBlue and Metasys.
The cybersecurity incident consisted of unauthorized access, data exfiltration and deployment of ransomware by a third party to a portion of the Company’s internal IT infrastructure. The incident caused disruptions and limitation of access to portions of the Company’s business applications supporting aspects of the Company’s operations and corporate functions, which disruptions and limitations continued into the early portion of the first quarter of fiscal 2024. To date, the Company has largely restored the impacted applications and systems.
Lost and deferred revenues and expenses related to the cybersecurity incident adversely impacted fiscal 2023 net income by approximately $30 million, or approximately $0.04 per diluted share. This was primarily attributable to order processing and logistics disruptions and delays, and expenses associated with the response to, and remediation of, the incident.
The Company has incurred and expects to incur additional expenses associated with the response to, and remediation of, the incident in fiscal 2024, most of which the Company expects to incur in the first half of the year. These expenses include third-party expenditures, including IT recovery and forensic experts and others performing professional services to investigate and remediate the incident, as well as incremental operating expenses incurred from the resulting disruption to the Company’s business operations. Further, the cybersecurity incident caused disruptions to certain of the Company’s billing systems, which is expected to negatively impact cash provided from continuing operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2024. The overall impact of the cybersecurity incident in fiscal 2024 is not expected to be material to net income, net of insurance recoveries, or cash flows from continuing operations; however, the timing of recognizing the insurance recoveries may differ from the timing of recognizing the associated expenses.
The Company maintains insurance covering certain losses associated with cybersecurity incidents. The Company did not recognize any insurance recoveries related to the cybersecurity incident in the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company currently expects that a substantial portion of its direct costs incurred related to containing, investigating and remediating the incident, as well as business interruption losses, will be reimbursed through insurance recoveries.
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Restructuring and Cost Optimization Initiatives
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company commits to restructuring plans as necessary. In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company began developing a restructuring plan with certain actions focused on continued scaling of Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") to its planned growth. The scope of the plan was substantially finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and certain actions related to this plan were committed and executed during the fourth quarter, primarily related to workforce reductions, and were recorded to restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. Additional restructuring charges are expected in subsequent quarters. The Company expects savings from the restructuring initiatives to be substantially offset by incremental ongoing operating costs and investments to grow the business. Restructuring charges incurred during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2023 were the result of other segment and Corporate-level restructuring plans.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2022
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 26,793 | $ | 25,299 | 6 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($1,997 million) and the favorable net impact of acquisitions and divestitures ($113 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($616 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, consolidated net sales increased 8% over the prior year, attributable to increased pricing in response to inflation pressures. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 17,822 | $ | 16,956 | 5 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 8,971 | 8,343 | 8 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 33.5 | % | 33.0 | % |
Cost of sales and gross profit both increased and gross profit as a percentage of sales increased by 50 basis points. Gross profit increased due to organic sales growth and favorable price/cost, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($192 million) and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of net pension mark-to-market adjustments ($42 million). Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased primarily due to favorable price/cost. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA").
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 6,181 | $ | 5,945 | 4 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 23.1 | % | 23.5 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased by $236 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales improved by 40 basis points. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to certain investments to support growth, one-time transaction and separation costs, the unfavorable year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments ($84 million) and a loss associated with a fire at a leased warehouse facility ($40 million), partially offset by non-recurring environmental remediation charges in the prior year ($255 million) and favorable foreign currency translation ($118 million). Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
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Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 1,064 | $ | 721 | 48 | % |
Restructuring and impairment costs in fiscal 2023 includes $498 million of impairment charges related to businesses classified or previously classified as held for sale, $276 million in severance and other charges resulting from restructuring initiatives, $184 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the Silent-Aire reporting unit, and $106 million of impairment charges for various long-lived assets.
Restructuring and impairment costs in fiscal 2022 includes $359 million of impairment charges related to the North America and Global Retail business which was previously held for sale, $182 million in severance and other charges resulting from restructure initiatives, $105 million of impairments for a business and assets previously held for sale, and $75 million of goodwill impairment charges related to the Silent-Aire reporting unit.
Refer to "Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations," Note 7, "Property, Plant and Equipment," Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 17, "Restructuring and Related Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs | $ | 307 | $ | 225 | 36 | % | ||||
| Other financing charges | 52 | 27 | 93 | % | ||||||
| Gain on debt extinguishment | (25) | — | * | |||||||
| Interest income | (18) | (6) | * | |||||||
| Net foreign exchange results for financing activities | (35) | (33) | 6 | % | ||||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 281 | $ | 213 | 32 | % |
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's debt.
Equity Income
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Equity income | $ | 265 | $ | 246 | 8 | % |
The increase in equity income was primarily due to higher income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Income Tax Provision
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||
| Income tax (benefit) | $ | (323) | $ | (13) | * | ||||
| Effective tax rate | (19) | % | (1) | % |
* Measure not meaningful
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The statutory tax rate in Ireland of 12.5% is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland.
For fiscal 2023, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was (19)% and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the favorable tax impacts of intellectual property tax adjustments, tax reserve adjustments as the result of tax audit resolutions and remeasurements, valuation allowance adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of impairment and restructuring charges.
For fiscal 2022, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was (1)% and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to favorable impact of tax reserve adjustments as the result of expired statute of limitations for certain tax years and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of impairment and restructuring charges, valuation allowance adjustments, and the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestitures and tax rate differentials.
The fiscal 2023 effective tax rate was lower than fiscal 2022 primarily due to tax reserve adjustments as the result of tax audit resolutions, valuation allowance adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the impact of impairment and restructuring charges. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
The U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) in August 2022, which, among other sections, creates a new book minimum tax of at least 15% of consolidated GAAP pre-tax income for corporations with average book income in excess of $1 billion. The book minimum tax will first apply to the Company in fiscal 2024. The Company does not expect the IRA to have a material impact on its effective tax rate, however, it is possible that the U.S. Congress could advance other tax legislation proposals in the future that could have a material impact on the Company's tax rate. In addition, in October 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD")/G20 inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the Inclusive Framework) published a statement updating and finalizing the key components of a two-pillar plan on global tax reform which has now been agreed upon by the majority of OECD members. Pillar One allows countries to reallocate a portion of residual profits earned by multinational enterprises ("MNE"), with an annual global revenue exceeding €20 billion and a profit margin over 10%, to other market jurisdictions. The adoption of Pillar One and its potential effective date remain uncertain. Pillar Two requires MNEs with an annual global revenue exceeding €750 million to pay a global minimum tax of 15%. On December 15, 2022, the Council of the EU formally adopted Directive (EU) 2022/2523 (the “Pillar Two Directive”) to achieve a coordinated implementation of Pillar Two in EU Member States consistent with EU law. On October 19, 2023, the Irish Minster of Finance published Irish Finance (No.2) Bill 2023, which includes implementation of the 15% Pillar Two global minimum tax. The bill, subject to amendment during the legislative process, is expected to be signed into law by late December. The Pillar Two legislation is anticipated to be effective for the Company with the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, pending legislative adoption by individual countries, as such changes could result in an increase in its effective tax rate.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 184 | $ | 191 | -4 | % |
The decrease in income attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to lower net income at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Global Products segment.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,849 | $ | 1,532 | 21 | % |
The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to higher gross profit and higher income tax benefits, partially offset by higher restructuring and impairment costs and higher SG&A. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $2.69 for the year ended September 30, 2023 compared to $2.19 for the year ended September 30, 2022.
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Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,805 | $ | 1,055 | 71 | % |
The increase in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls was due to an increase in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($433 million) resulting primarily from reductions in foreign currency translation expense and an increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($317 million).
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Building Solutions North America | $ | 10,330 | $ | 9,367 | 10 | % | $ | 1,394 | $ | 1,122 | 24 | % | |||||||||
| Building Solutions EMEA/LA | 4,096 | 3,845 | 7 | % | 316 | 358 | -12 | % | |||||||||||||
| Building Solutions Asia Pacific | 2,746 | 2,714 | 1 | % | 343 | 332 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Global Products | 9,621 | 9,373 | 3 | % | 1,965 | 1,594 | 23 | % | |||||||||||||
| $ | 26,793 | $ | 25,299 | 6 | % | $ | 4,018 | $ | 3,406 | 18 | % |
Net Sales
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($979 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($29 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($45 million). Excluding the impacts of business acquisitions and foreign currency translation, sales growth was led by growth in HVAC & Controls and Fire & Security.
•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($324 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($29 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($102 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by growth in Fire & Security and HVAC & Controls.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to organic growth, including higher prices ($182 million) and the net impact of business acquisitions and divestitures ($19 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($169 million). The economic conditions in China, specifically challenges in real estate, began negatively impacting the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, but had an insignificant impact on results for the full year. Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales growth was led by continued demand for HVAC & Controls.
•The increase in Global Products was due to the net impact of higher prices and lower volumes ($512 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($36 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($300 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions, sales growth was driven by strong price realization and growth in Commercial HVAC and Industrial Refrigeration products.
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Segment EBITA
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was primarily due to favorable price/cost, volume leverage and productivity savings, partially offset by unfavorable project mix.
•The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA reflects the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($13 million) and higher expenses, partially offset by favorable price/cost.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was primarily due to favorable price/cost and productivity savings, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($25 million).
•The increase in Global Products was primarily due to favorable price/cost and productivity savings, partially offset by unfavorable mix, lower gross margin due to lower manufacturing absorption, an uninsured loss associated with a fire at a leased warehouse facility and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($42 million).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Current assets | $ | 10,737 | $ | 11,685 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | (11,084) | (11,239) | ||||||||
| (347) | 446 | * | ||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (835) | (2,031) | ||||||||
| Add: Short-term debt | 385 | 669 | ||||||||
| Add: Current portion of long-term debt | 645 | 865 | ||||||||
| Working capital (as defined) | $ | (152) | $ | (51) | * | |||||
| Accounts receivable - net | $ | 6,006 | $ | 5,727 | 5 | % | ||||
| Inventories | 2,776 | 2,665 | 4 | % | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 4,268 | 4,368 | -2 | % |
* Measure not meaningful
•The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and current assets and liabilities held for sale (when applicable). Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.
•The decrease in working capital at September 30, 2023 as compared to September 30, 2022, was primarily due to an increase in deferred revenue and lower income tax assets, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable due to increased sales and timing of collections.
•Days sales in accounts receivable were 50 at September 30, 2023, comparable to 51 at September 30, 2022. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or significant changes in revenue recognition methods.
•The Company’s inventory turns for the year ended September 30, 2023 were slightly lower than the comparable period ended September 30, 2022.
•Days in accounts payable were 84 days at September 30, 2023, down slightly from 88 days at September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to timing of payments.
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Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,221 | $ | 1,990 | ||
| Cash used by investing activities | (1,184) | (693) | ||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (2,174) | (516) |
•The increase in cash provided by operating activities reflects higher net income and the favorable impact of inventory, income tax and accounts receivable activity, which was partially offset by the timing of accounts payable and accrued liabilities payments.
•The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the FM:Systems acquisition. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the FM:Systems and other acquisitions.
•The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to changes in short- and long-term borrowing activity. The net impact of debt proceeds and repayments used cash of $433 million in fiscal 2023 and generated cash of $2.0 billion in fiscal 2022. This increase in cash used was partially offset by lower stock repurchases.
Capitalization
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 385 | $ | 669 | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 645 | 865 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt | 7,818 | 7,426 | ||||||||
| Total debt | 8,848 | 8,960 | -1 | % | ||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 835 | 2,031 | ||||||||
| Total net debt | 8,013 | 6,929 | 16 | % | ||||||
| Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls | 16,545 | 16,268 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Total capitalization | $ | 24,558 | $ | 23,197 | 6 | % | ||||
| Total net debt as a % of total capitalization | 32.6 | % | 29.9 | % |
•Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a view of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
•The Company's material cash requirements primarily consist of working capital requirements, repayments of long-term debt and related interest, operating leases, dividends, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions and share repurchases.
•Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities. Interest payable on long-term debt is $283 million in the twelve months following September 30, 2023 and $3.6 billion thereafter.
•Refer to Note 9, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
•As of September 30, 2023, purchase obligations are $1.8 billion payable in the next twelve months and $240 million payable thereafter. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements, and do not represent all future expected purchases.
•As of September 30, 2023, the Company expects to contribute $26 million and $203 million to the global pension and postretirement plans in the next twelve months and thereafter, respectively.
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•As of September 30, 2023, approximately $3.0 billion remains available under the Company's share repurchase authorization, which does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to repurchase outstanding shares from time to time depending on market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and economic environment.
•The Company declared dividends of $1.45 per share in fiscal 2023 and intends to continue paying quarterly dividends in fiscal 2024.
•The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position, including cash and cash equivalents of $835 million at September 30, 2023, are adequate to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future. The Company expects requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions or stock repurchases in fiscal 2024 will be funded from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required.
–The Company manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. Commercial paper outstanding was $200 million as of September 30, 2023 and $172 million as of September 30, 2022.
–The Company maintains a shelf registration statement with the SEC under which it may issue additional debt securities, ordinary shares, preferred shares, depository shares, warrants purchase contracts and units that may be offered in one or more offerings on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Company anticipates that the proceeds of any offering would be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchases of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries.
–The Company has the ability to draw on its syndicated $2.5 billion committed revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in December 2024, and a syndicated $500 million committed revolving credit facility, which expired in November 2023. Both credit facilities were renewed on December 11, 2023. The $2.5 billion facility is now scheduled to expire in December 2028 and the $500 million facility is now scheduled to expire in December 2024. There were no draws on the facilities as of September 30, 2023.
•The Company's ability to access the global capital markets and the related cost of financing is dependent upon, among other factors, the Company's credit ratings. As of September 30, 2023, the Company's credit ratings and outlook were as follows:
| Rating Agency | Short-Term Rating | Long-Term Rating | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | A-2 | BBB+ | Stable | |||
| Moody's | P-2 | Baa2 | Positive |
The security ratings set forth above are issued by unaffiliated third party rating agencies and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization at any time.
•The Company entered into the following debt transactions in fiscal 2023:
–Repaid $1.6 billion of debt including the following:
▪€200 million term loan with an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.5%
▪$32 million Senior Notes due 2023 with an interest rate of 4.625%
▪€150 million term loan with an interest rate of 0.0%
▪€135 million term loan with an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.5%
▪€846 million Senior Notes due 2023 with an interest rate of 1.0%
▪Tendered $105 million of its Notes due 2045 with an interest rate of 5.125%
–Issued $1.2 billion of debt including the following:
▪€150 million term loan with an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.7% which is due in April 2024
▪€150 million term loan with an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.4% which is due March 2024
▪Together with its wholly owned subsidiary, Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A., co-issued €800 million in 4.25% Senior Notes due May 2035
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•Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities require a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures governing its outstanding notes, and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
•The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient manners. The Company's intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
•The Company may from time to time purchase its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Purchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the following unsecured, unsubordinated senior notes (collectively, ("the Notes) which were issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A. (“TFSCA”):
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due 2027
•€600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Senior Notes due 2028
•$625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030
•$500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.000% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2031
•€500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032
•$400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.900% Senior Notes due 2032
•€800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2035
TFSCA is a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”) and is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that is 99.924% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.076% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland. TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.
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The tables below set forth summarized financial information of the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the “Obligor Group”) on a combined basis after intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including adjustments to remove the receivable and payable balances, investment in, and equity in earnings from, those subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries").
The following table presents summarized income statement information for the year ended September 30, 2023 (in millions):
| Obligor Group | Non-Obligor Subsidiaries | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | — | $ | — | |||
| Gross profit | — | — | |||||
| Loss from continuing operations | (458) | (139) | |||||
| Net loss | (458) | (139) | |||||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | — | |||||
| Net loss attributable to the entity | (458) | (139) |
The following table presents summarized balance sheet information as of September 30, 2023 (in millions):
| Obligor Group | Non-Obligor Subsidiaries | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 26 | $ | 5,608 | |||
| Noncurrent assets | 270 | 1,882 | |||||
| Current liabilities | 3,652 | 9,289 | |||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 7,585 | 3,462 | |||||
| Noncontrolling interests | — | — |
The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following estimates are considered by management to be the most critical to the understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements as they require significant judgments that could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Total estimated costs at completion are based primarily on estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends and other economic projections. Factors that may result in a change to these estimates include unforeseen engineering problems, construction delays, cost inflation, the performance of subcontractors and major material suppliers, and weather conditions. As a result, changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract. Such estimates are reviewed monthly and any adjustments to the measure of completion are recognized as adjustments to sales and gross profit using the cumulative catch-up method. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.
For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. In order to estimate relative standalone selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach.
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The Company assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses the multiples of earnings approach based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics and applies the multiples to the Company's average of historical and future financial results for each reporting unit. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
Management completed its fiscal 2023 annual impairment test as of July 31. The fair value of all reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values, with the exception of one reporting unit with $455 million of goodwill whose fair value in excess of its carrying value was approximately 10%. For this reporting unit, a 1% increase in the discount rate, or a 1.5% decrease in the revenue growth rates, would cause the fair value to be less than the carrying value. While no impairment was recorded, it is possible that future changes in circumstances could result in a non-cash impairment charge.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing in the fourth fiscal quarter or as events occur or circumstances change that indicate the assets may be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were long-term revenue growth projections, weighted-average cost of capital, the royalty rate and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
During fiscal 2023, the Company impaired $184 million of goodwill in its Silent-Aire reporting unit.
The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests are reasonable, different assumptions or changes in general industry, market and macro-economic conditions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, future impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the results of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing performed in fiscal 2023 and 2022.
Pension Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, based on the Company’s measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return and compensation increases as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
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The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 16, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension plans.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for plans that are over funded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.
The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 5.48% and 5.08% at September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 4.72% and 4.36% at September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 14% of the plans’ assets are invested in equity securities and 63% in fixed income securities, with the remainder primarily invested in alternative investments. The expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 8.25% and 7.00% for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension plan assets was 5.02% and 3.70% for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The actual rate of return on both U.S and non-U.S pension plans was below expected rates in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.
For fiscal 2024, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 8.50% for U.S. pension plans and 5.26% for non-U.S. pension plans. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
In fiscal 2023, total employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans were $55 million, none of which were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $24 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2024.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Mark-to-market adjustments represent actuarial gains (losses) arising from changes in actuarial assumptions and actuarial experiences different from those assumed that are used to value the plan assets and the benefit obligations. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains (losses) are changes in the discount rate used to value benefit obligations and the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets. Mark-to-market adjustments are highly volatile and are difficult to forecast. Refer to Note 16, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
The following chart illustrates the estimated increases (decreases) in projected benefit obligation and future ongoing pension expense, which excludes any potential mark-to-market adjustments, assuming an increase of 25 basis points in the key assumptions for the Company's pension plans (in millions):
| Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | $ | (26) | $ | 2 | $ | (33) | $ | 1 | ||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | — | (4) | — | (3) |
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Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarial determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarial determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Estimated asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. At least annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation
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allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2023, the Company had a valuation allowance of $6.4 billion for continuing operations, of which $5.6 billion relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $0.8 billion for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2023, the Company had recorded a liability of $2.2 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, and interest rates. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as a hedge of one of the following:
•Forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge)
•Net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge)
The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
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For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 11, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $63 million and $133 million, respectively.
Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates, and, therefore, any fluctuation in market interest rates is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. A 100 basis point increase/decrease in the average interest rate on the Company's variable rate debt would have an immaterial impact on interest expense.
Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the
45
Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000833444-22-000043.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products, services, systems and solutions advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to serve people, places and the planet. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing and commissioning building products and systems, including residential and commercial HVAC equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven “smart building” services and solutions. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities, including its OpenBlue platform,
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together with its direct channel service and solutions capabilities, to deliver outcome-based solutions across the lifecycle of a building that address customers’ needs to improve energy efficiency, enhance security, create healthy environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements. A detailed discussion of the 2021 to 2020 year-over-year changes are not included herein and can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section in the Company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 15, 2021 under the heading "Fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020" which is incorporated herein by reference.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for installation of the Company’s products and solutions is driven by commercial and residential construction and industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects. Commercial and residential construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for commercial and residential real estate and availability of credit. Positive or negative fluctuations in commercial and residential construction, industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects and other capital investments in buildings could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company is therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While the Company employs financial instruments to hedge some of its transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate it completely from those exposures. In addition, the currency exposure from the translation of non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are not able to be hedged. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could increase or reduce the Company’s profit margin, respectively, and impact the comparability of results from period to period. During fiscal 2022, revenue and profits were adversely impacted due to the significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. The continued strength of the U.S. dollar could continue to adversely impact the Company's results.
The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for its products and services that enable smart, safe, efficient and sustainable buildings. This demand is driven in part by government tax incentives, building performance standards and other regulations designed to limit emissions and combat climate change. In particular, legislative and regulatory initiatives such as the U.S. Climate Smart Buildings Imitative, U.S. Inflection Reduction Act and EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive include provisions designed to fund and encourage investment in decarbonization and digital technologies for buildings. This demand is supplemented by an increase in commitments in both the public and private sectors to reduce emissions and/or achieve net zero emissions. The Company seeks to capitalize on these trends to drive growth by developing and delivering technologies and solutions to create smart, sustainable and healthy buildings. The Company is investing in new digital and product capabilities, including its OpenBlue platform, to enable it to deliver sustainable, high-efficiency products and tailored services to enable customers to achieve their sustainability goals. The Company is leveraging its install base, together with data-driven products and services to offer outcome-based solutions to customers with a focus on generating accelerated growth in services and recurring revenue.
The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, increased input material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends, including increased global demand, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, government-mandated actions in response to COVID-19, particularly in China, and labor shortages. Actions taken by the Company to mitigate supply chain disruptions and inflation, including expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, price increases and productivity improvements, have generally been successful in offsetting some, but not all, of the impact of these trends. The collective impact of these trends has been to positively impact revenue due to increased demand and price increases to offset inflation, while negatively impacting margins due to supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. The Company has also experienced delays in converting its backlog due to continued supply chain disruptions, negatively impacting both revenues and margins. Although the Company has experienced recent improvement in its supply chain, the Company expects that these trends will continue to impact its results into fiscal 2023. Therefore, the Company could experience further disruptions, shortages and cost increases in the future, the effect of which will depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset the impact of these events.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company suspended its operations in Russia in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Although this decision has not had and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s
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operating results, the broader consequences of this conflict, including heightened supply chain disruption, inflation, economic instability and other factors have and could continue to adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact aspects of the Company's operations and results. During fiscal 2022, the Company's facilities generally operated at normal levels, however, the Company has experienced some disruptions to its business in China due to government-mandated lockdowns in several major cities.
The Company has experienced increases in demand as governments have distributed vaccines and lifted COVID-19-related restrictions, leading to increases in retrofit activity and commercial building construction. As a result of the pandemic, the Company has seen an increase in demand for its products and solutions that promote building health and optimize customers’ infrastructure.
However, the Company continues to be influenced by COVID-19-related trends impacting site access and the labor force, which have and may continue to negatively impact the Company’s revenues and margins. Challenges in reaching sufficient vaccination levels and the introduction of new variants of COVID-19 have caused some governments to extend or reinstitute lockdowns and similar restrictive measures, which, in some cases, have limited the Company’s ability to access customer sites to install and maintain its products and deliver services. In addition, the Company has experienced and continues to experience labor shortages at certain facilities as the Company expands its production capacity to meet increased customer demand. Although the Company is mitigating these shortages through focused recruitment efforts and competitive compensation packages, the Company could continue to experience such shortages in the future.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. See Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks related to COVID-19.
Restructuring and Cost Optimization Initiatives
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company commits to restructuring plans as necessary. In fiscal 2021, the Company announced its plans to optimize its cost structure through broad-based SG&A actions focused on simplification, standardization and centralization, with the intent to deliver annualized savings of $300 million by fiscal 2023 (the “2021 Plan”). Additionally, the Company announced cost of sales actions to drive $250 million in annual run rate savings by fiscal 2023. The Company believes it is on track to deliver and exceed the productivity savings by fiscal 2023. For more information on the Company’s restructuring plans, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Restructuring.”
FISCAL YEAR 2022 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2021
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 25,299 | $ | 23,668 | 7 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($2,033 million), incremental sales from acquisitions ($356 million) and the impact of prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($6 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($741 million) and lower sales due to business divestitures ($23 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, business acquisitions and divestitures and nonrecurring adjustments, consolidated net sales increased 9% as compared to the prior year, attributable to higher volumes and increased pricing in response to inflation pressures. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
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Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 16,956 | $ | 15,609 | 9 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 8,343 | 8,059 | 4 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 33.0 | % | 34.1 | % |
Cost of sales and gross profit both increased and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased by 110 basis points. Gross profit increased due to organic sales growth and business acquisitions, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($229 million), supply chain inefficiencies, price/cost pressures and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of net pension mark-to-market adjustments ($121 million). Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased as the benefit of volume leverage was more than offset by supply chain inefficiencies and price/cost pressures. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA").
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,945 | $ | 5,258 | 13 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 23.5 | % | 22.2 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased by $687 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales increased by 130 basis points. The increase in SG&A on a percentage basis was primarily due to the current year environmental remediation charge and related reserves ($255 million), the unfavorable year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments on pension plans ($154 million), the unfavorable year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted asbestos investments ($93 million), the absence of certain one-time cost mitigation actions and current year business acquisitions, partially offset by a favorable earn-out liability adjustment ($43 million) and favorable foreign currency translation ($141 million). Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 721 | $ | 242 | * |
* Measure not meaningful
Restructuring and impairment costs in fiscal 2022 included $419 million impairment costs related to businesses classified as held-for-sale, $75 million impairment of goodwill attributable to the Silent-Aire reporting unit, $45 million impairment of long-lived assets in the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment reclassified from held for sale and $182 million in severance, long-lived asset impairments and other costs associated with the 2021 Plan. All of the fiscal 2021 restructuring and impairment costs were related to the 2021 Plan.
Refer to "Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations," Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 17, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
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Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 213 | $ | 206 | 3 | % |
Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's net financing charges.
Equity Income
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Equity income | $ | 246 | $ | 261 | -6 | % |
The decrease in equity income was primarily due to lower income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture and at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Building Solutions North America segment. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Income Tax Provision
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | $ | (13) | $ | 868 | * | ||||
| Effective tax rate | (1) | % | 33 | % |
* Measure not meaningful
The statutory tax rate in Ireland of 12.5% is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland.
For fiscal 2022, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was (1)% and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to tax reserve adjustments as the result of expired statute of limitations for certain tax years and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the income tax effects of impairment and restructuring charges, valuation allowance adjustments, the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestitures and tax rate differentials.
For fiscal 2021, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was 33% and was higher than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the tax impacts of an intercompany transfer of certain of the Company’s intellectual property rights, valuation allowance adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives.
The fiscal 2022 effective tax rate decreased as compared to fiscal 2021 primarily due to the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments, tax reserve adjustments as the result of expired statute of limitations for certain tax years and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by valuation allowance adjustments, the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestitures, impairment and restructuring charges and tax rate differentials. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
The U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) in August 2022, which, among other sections, creates a new book minimum tax of at least 15% of consolidated GAAP pre-tax income for corporations with average book income in excess of $1 billion. The book minimum tax will first apply to us in fiscal 2024. We do not expect the IRA to have a material impact on our effective tax rate. In addition, in October 2021, 136 out of 140 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("IF"), including Ireland, politically committed to potentially fundamental changes to the international corporate tax system, including the potential implementation of a global minimum corporate tax rate. While the details of these pronouncements presently remain unclear and timing of implementation uncertain, the impact of local country IF adoption could have a material impact on the Company's effective tax
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rate in future periods. It is also possible that jurisdictions in which the Company does business could react to such IF developments unilaterally by enacting tax legislation that could adversely affect the Company or its affiliates.
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | — | $ | 124 | * |
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 3, "Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 191 | $ | 233 | -18 | % |
The decrease in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to lower net income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Net income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,532 | $ | 1,637 | -6 | % |
The decrease in net income attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to higher SG&A, higher restructuring and impairment costs and the non-recurrence of prior year income from discontinued operations, partially offset by lower income tax provision and higher gross profit. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $2.19 for the year ended September 30, 2022 compared to $2.27 for the year ended September 30, 2021.
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,055 | $ | 1,979 | -47 | % |
The decrease in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls was due to a decrease in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($819 million) resulting primarily from foreign currency translation adjustments and lower net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($105 million). The year-over-year unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the weakening of the British pound, euro and Canadian dollar in the current year compared to strengthening of the British pound, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar in the prior year.
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
Effective October 1, 2021, the Company's marine businesses previously included in the Building Solutions Asia Pacific and Global Products reportable segments are now part of the Building Solutions EMEA/LA reportable segment. Historical
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information has been re-cast to present the comparative periods on a consistent basis. This change was not material to the segment presentation. Refer to Note 19, “Segment Information,” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.
Beginning on October 1, 2021, the Company began reporting certain retrofit projects in the Building Solutions EMEA/LA and Building Solutions Asia Pacific segments as products and systems revenue on a prospective basis as they have evolved to be more aligned with other install offerings.
| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Building Solutions North America | $ | 9,367 | $ | 8,685 | 8 | % | $ | 1,122 | $ | 1,204 | -7 | % | |||||||||
| Building Solutions EMEA/LA | 3,845 | 3,884 | -1 | % | 358 | 401 | -11 | % | |||||||||||||
| Building Solutions Asia Pacific | 2,714 | 2,616 | 4 | % | 332 | 344 | -3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Global Products | 9,373 | 8,483 | 10 | % | 1,594 | 1,436 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||
| $ | 25,299 | $ | 23,668 | 7 | % | $ | 3,406 | $ | 3,385 | 1 | % |
Net Sales:
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to higher volumes and prices ($672 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($22 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($12 million). The sales increase was led by strong growth in the HVAC & Controls platform.
•The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($269 million) and business divestitures ($22 million), partially offset by higher volumes and prices ($214 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($38 million). Excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, sales increased, driven by growth in the Fire & Security platforms and the HVAC & Controls platform. By region, strong growth in Europe and single digit growth in Latin America was partially offset by growth decline in the Middle East.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to the net impact of higher prices and lower volumes ($178 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($42 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($121 million) and business divestitures ($1 million). The increase in sales was led by strong demand for HVAC & Controls and Industrial Refrigeration equipment. By region, the sales growth was driven by sales in China.
•The increase in Global Products was due to higher volumes and prices ($975 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($254 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($339 million). Sales growth was driven by broad-based demand for Commercial and Residential HVAC and Fire & Security products and strong price realization.
Segment EBITA:
•The decrease in Building Solutions North America was primarily due to lower absorption related to supply chain disruptions and labor constraints and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations, partially offset by productivity savings.
•The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was primarily due to supply chain disruptions, the suspension of operations in Russia ($11 million), and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($29 million), partially offset by favorable price/cost and productivity savings.
•The decrease in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was primarily due to supply chain disruptions, unfavorable mix and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($23 million), partially offset by favorable price/cost and productivity savings.
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•The increase in Global Products was primarily due to favorable volumes and mix, productivity savings and a favorable earn-out liability adjustment ($43 million), partially offset by the current year environmental remediation charge ($222 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($37 million) and lower equity income driven primarily by certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture ($13 million).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Current assets | $ | 11,685 | $ | 9,998 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | (11,239) | (9,098) | ||||||||
| 446 | 900 | -50 | % | |||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (2,031) | (1,336) | ||||||||
| Add: Short-term debt | 669 | 8 | ||||||||
| Add: Current portion of long-term debt | 865 | 226 | ||||||||
| Less: Current assets held for sale | (387) | — | ||||||||
| Add: Current liabilities held for sale | 236 | — | ||||||||
| Working capital (as defined) | $ | (202) | $ | (202) | — | % | ||||
| Accounts receivable - net | $ | 5,528 | $ | 5,613 | -2 | % | ||||
| Inventories | 2,510 | 2,057 | 22 | % | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 4,241 | 3,746 | 13 | % |
•The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and current assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.
•Working capital at September 30, 2022 remained consistent as compared to September 30, 2021 as an increase in inventory due to supply chain disruptions was offset by an increase in accounts payable.
•The Company’s days sales in accounts receivable at September 30, 2022 were 51, a decrease from 58 at September 30, 2021, primarily due to collection efforts and increased use of receivables factoring programs. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or significant changes in revenue recognition methods.
•The Company’s inventory turns for the year ended September 30, 2022 were lower than the comparable period ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to supply chain disruptions.
•Days in accounts payable at September 30, 2022 were 85 days, higher from 76 days for the comparable period ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to timing of payments.
Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,990 | $ | 2,551 | ||
| Cash used by investing activities | (693) | (1,090) | ||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (516) | (2,131) |
•The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the unfavorable impacts driven by supply chain disruptions. This resulted in increases in inventory and higher unbilled receivables due to shipment delays, which
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were partially offset by the benefit of receivables factoring activity and an increase in accounts payable due to timing of payments.
•The decrease in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to lower cash payments made for acquisitions.
•The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to higher short-term and long-term debt borrowings.
Capitalization
| September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 669 | $ | 8 | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 865 | 226 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt | 7,426 | 7,506 | ||||||||
| Total debt | 8,960 | 7,740 | 16 | % | ||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 2,031 | 1,336 | ||||||||
| Total net debt | 6,929 | 6,404 | 8 | % | ||||||
| Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls | 16,268 | 17,562 | -7 | % | ||||||
| Total capitalization | $ | 23,197 | $ | 23,966 | -3 | % | ||||
| Total net debt as a % of total capitalization | 29.9 | % | 26.7 | % |
•Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a view of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
•The Company's material cash requirements primarily consist of working capital requirements, repayments of long-term debt and related interest, operating leases, dividends, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions and share repurchases.
•Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities. Interest payable on long-term debt is $253 million in the twelve months following September 30, 2022 and $3.5 billion thereafter.
•Refer to Note 9, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
•As of September 30, 2022, purchase obligations are $1.5 billion payable in the next twelve months and $284 million payable thereafter. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements, and do not represent the entire anticipated purchases in the future.
•As of September 30, 2022, the Company expects to contribute $41 million and $193 million to the global pension and postretirement plans in the next twelve months and thereafter, respectively.
•As of September 30, 2022, approximately $3.6 billion remains available under the Company's share repurchase authorization, which does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to repurchase outstanding shares from time to time depending on market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and economic environment.
•The Company declared dividends of $1.39 per share in fiscal 2022 and intends to continue paying quarterly dividends in fiscal 2023.
•The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2022 are adequate to meet projected needs. The Company believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchases, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions in fiscal 2023 will continue to be funded
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from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Company currently manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Company is unable to issue commercial paper, it would have the ability to draw on its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility which expires in December 2024 or its $0.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility which expires in December 2022. There were no draws on the revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2022 and 2021. The Company estimates that as of September 30, 2022, it could borrow up to $2.0 billion based on average borrowing levels during fiscal 2022 on committed credit lines. The Company maintains a shelf registration statement with the SEC under which it may issue additional debt securities, ordinary shares, preferred shares, depository shares, warrants purchase contracts and units that may be offered in one or more offerings on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Company anticipates that the proceeds of any offering would be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchases of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries. In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2022. As such, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future.
•The Company's ability to access the global capital markets and the related cost of financing is dependent upon, among other factors, the Company's credit ratings. As of September 30, 2022, the Company's credit ratings and outlook were as follows:
| Rating Agency | Short-Term Rating | Long-Term Rating | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | A-2 | BBB+ | Stable | |||
| Moody's | P-2 | Baa2 | Stable |
The security ratings set forth above are issued by unaffiliated third party rating agencies and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization at any time.
•The Company entered into the following new or modified debt arrangements in fiscal 2022:
◦In November 2021, the Company entered into a €200 million ($196 million as of September 30, 2022) bank term loan which had an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.5% and was due and paid in October 2022.
◦In March 2022, the Company entered into two bank term loans totaling €285 million ($280 million as of September 30, 2022) which both have an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 0.5% and are due in March 2023.
◦In September 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, TFSCA issued €600 million ($589 million as of September 30, 2022) of bonds with an interest rate of 3.0%, which are due in September 2028 and $400 million of bonds with an interest rate of 4.9%, which are due in December 2032.
◦In September 2022, the Company repaid a ¥25 billion ($181 million) term loan and entered into a ¥30 billion ($208 million as of September 30, 2022) term loan which is due in September 2027. Both the original and the new debt have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.4%.
•Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities requires a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures governing its outstanding notes, and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
•The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. However, in fiscal 2022, the Company recorded income tax expense related to a change in its assertion over the outside basis differences of its investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestitures. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient
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manners. The Company's intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
•The Company may from time to time purchase its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Purchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Restructuring
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company commits to restructuring plans as necessary. Restructuring plans generally result in charges for workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and other related costs which are reported as restructuring and impairment costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company expects the restructuring actions to reduce cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense.
In fiscal 2021, the Company announced plans to optimize its cost structure through broad-based SG&A actions focused on simplification, standardization and centralization, with the intent to deliver annualized savings of $300 million by fiscal 2023. Additionally, the Company announced cost of sales actions intended to drive $250 million in annual run rate savings by fiscal 2023. The one-time pre-tax costs associated with these actions were originally expected to be approximately $385 million across all segments and at Corporate through fiscal 2023. The Company has incurred and exceeded these costs during fiscal 2022 due to certain restructuring actions and expenses planned for fiscal 2023 being accelerated into fiscal 2022, which also resulted in incremental savings. During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded $182 million and in total, the Company has recorded $424 million of costs resulting from the 2021 restructuring plan, which is the total amount expected to be incurred for this restructuring plan. The Company has outstanding restructuring reserves of $82 million at September 30, 2022, all of which is expected to be paid in cash.
Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the (i) $625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), (ii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), (iii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”), (iv) $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.000% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”), (v) €600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”) and (vi) $400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.900% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes 2” and together with the 2032 Notes, the 2030 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2027 Notes, the “Notes”), each issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and TFSCA, a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”). Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
TFSCA is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that is 99.996% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.004% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Notes are the Parent Company’s and TFSCA’s unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland and TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The
38
application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.
The following tables set forth summarized financial information of the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the “Obligor Group”) on a combined basis after intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including adjustments to remove the receivable and payable balances, investment in, and equity in earnings from, those subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries").
The following table presents summarized income statement information for the year ended September 30, 2022 (in millions):
| September 30, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | — | |
| Gross profit | — | ||
| Loss from continuing operations | (268) | ||
| Net loss | (268) | ||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | ||
| Net loss attributable to the entity | (268) |
Excluded from the table above are the intercompany transactions between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $ | — | |
| Gross profit | — | ||
| Income from continuing operations | 92 | ||
| Net income | 92 | ||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | ||
| Net income attributable to the entity | 92 |
The following table presents summarized balance sheet information (in millions):
| September 30, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 1,231 | |
| Noncurrent assets | 243 | ||
| Current liabilities | 5,463 | ||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 7,176 | ||
| Noncontrolling interests | — |
Excluded from the table above are the intercompany balances between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 455 | |
| Noncurrent assets | 2,952 | ||
| Current liabilities | 2,538 | ||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 6,228 | ||
| Noncontrolling interests | — |
The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following estimates are considered by management to be the most critical to the understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements as they require significant judgments that could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Total estimated costs at completion are based primarily on estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends and other economic projections. Factors that may result in a change to these estimates include unforeseen engineering problems, construction delays, cost inflation, the performance of subcontractors and major material suppliers, and weather conditions. As a result, changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract. Such estimates are reviewed monthly and any adjustments to the measure of completion are recognized as adjustments to sales and gross profit using the cumulative catch-up method. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.
For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach.
The Company considers the contractual consideration payable by the customer and assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually as of July 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses the multiples of earnings approach based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics that are applied to the Company's average of historical and future financial results. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
During its fiscal 2022 annual impairment test, the Company determined that its Silent-Aire reporting unit's goodwill was impaired by $75 million. No other reporting unit was determined to be at risk of failing the goodwill impairment test.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were long-term revenue growth projections, weighted-average cost of capital, the royalty rate and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions.
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The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests are reasonable, different assumptions or changes in general industry, market and macro-economic conditions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, future impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 8, "Goodwill and other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the results of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing performed in fiscal 2022 and 2021.
Pension Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, based on the Company’s measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return and compensation increases as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 16, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension plans.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for plans that are over funded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.
The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 5.08% and 2.50% at September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 4.36% and 1.80% at September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 19% of the plans’ assets are invested in equity securities and 66% in fixed income securities, with the remainder primarily invested in alternative investments. For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 7.00% and 6.50%, respectively. The actual rate of return on U.S. pension plans was below 7.00% in fiscal 2022 and above 6.50% in fiscal 2021. For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension plan assets was 3.70% and 4.90%, respectively. The actual rate of return on non-U.S. pension plans was below 3.70% in fiscal 2022 and above 4.90% in fiscal 2021.
Beginning in fiscal 2023, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 8.25% for U.S. pension plans and 3.70% for non-U.S. pension plans. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If the Company’s actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
In fiscal 2022, total employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans were $93 million, none of which were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $38 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2023.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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Mark-to-market adjustments represent actuarial gains (losses) arising from changes in actuarial assumptions and actuarial experiences different from those assumed that are used to value the plan assets and the benefit obligations. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains (losses) are changes in the discount rate used to value benefit obligations and the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets. Mark-to-market adjustments are highly volatile and are difficult to forecast. Refer to Note 16, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
The following chart illustrates the estimated increases (decreases) in projected benefit obligation and future ongoing pension expense, which excludes any potential mark-to-market adjustments, assuming an increase of 25 basis points in the key assumptions for the Company's pension plans (in millions):
| Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | $ | (31) | $ | 3 | $ | (39) | $ | 1 | ||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | — | (4) | — | (3) |
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. During fiscal 2022, the Company increased its accrual for environmental remediation liabilities by $228 million. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Estimated asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. Annually, the Company assesses the
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sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2022, the Company had a valuation allowance of $6.0 billion for continuing operations, of which $5.5 billion relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom and the U.S. for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $0.5 billion for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2022, the Company had recorded a liability of $2.5 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, stock-based compensation and interest rates. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of a recognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge). The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Equity swaps and any other derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 11, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $133 million and $213 million, respectively.
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Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates, and, therefore, any fluctuation in market interest rates is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. A 20 basis point increase/decrease in the average interest rate on the Company's variable rate debt would have an immaterial impact on interest expense.
Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Refer to Note 21, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000833444-21-000046.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products, services, systems and solutions advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to serve people, places and the planet. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing and commissioning building products and systems, including residential and commercial HVAC equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire-detection systems and fire-suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, management, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, industrial refrigeration, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven “smart building” services and solutions powered by its OpenBlue software platform and capabilities. The Company partners with customers by leveraging its broad product portfolio and digital capabilities powered by OpenBlue, together with its direct channel service and solutions capabilities, to deliver outcome-based solutions across the lifecycle of a building that address customers’ needs to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements. A detailed discussion of the 2020 to 2019
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year-over-year changes are not included herein and can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section in the Company's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 16, 2020 under the heading "Fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019," which is incorporated herein by reference.
Macroeconomic Trends
Much of the demand for installation of the Company’s products and solutions is driven by commercial and residential construction and industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects. Commercial and residential construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for commercial and residential real estate and availability of credit. Positive or negative fluctuations in commercial and residential construction, industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects and other capital investments in buildings could have a corresponding impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As a result of the Company’s global presence, a significant portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company is therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While the Company employs financial instruments to hedge some of its transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate it completely from those exposures. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could increase or reduce the Company’s profit margin in various locations outside of the U.S. and impact the comparability of results from period to period.
The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for safe, efficient and sustainable buildings, and seeks to capitalize on these trends to drive growth by developing and delivering technologies and solutions to create smart and healthy buildings. In 2020, the Company launched its software platform, OpenBlue, enabling enterprises to manage all aspects of their physical spaces delivering sustainability, new occupant experiences, and safety and security by combining the Company’s building expertise with cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered service solutions such as remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, compliance monitoring and advanced risk assessments. The Company continues to leverage its install base, together with data-driven products and services to offer outcome-based solutions to customers with a focus on generating accelerated growth in services and recurring revenue for the Company. In January 2021, the Company committed to invest 75 percent of its new product research and development in climate-related innovation to develop sustainable products and services.
The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, increased input material cost inflation and component shortages, as well as disruptions and delays in its supply chain, as a result of global macroeconomic trends (including increased global demand), government-mandated actions in response to COVID-19 and labor shortages. Actions taken by the Company to mitigate supply chain disruptions and inflation, including expanding and redistributing its supplier network, supplier financing, price increases and productivity improvements, have generally been successful in offsetting some, but not all, of the impact of these trends. As a result, these trends have negatively impacted the Company’s revenue and margins. The Company expects that these trends will continue in fiscal year 2022. Therefore, the Company could experience further disruptions, shortages and price increases in the future, the effect of which will depend on the Company’s ability to successfully mitigate and offset the impact of these events.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic
The global outbreak of COVID-19 severely restricted the level of economic activity around the world and caused a significant contraction in the global economy.
The Company’s affiliates, employees, suppliers, customers and others have been and may continue to be restricted or prevented from conducting normal business activities, including as a result of shutdowns, travel restrictions and other actions that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. Although shutdown orders and similar restrictions have been lifted in many jurisdictions in conjunction with the global distribution of vaccines, challenges in achieving sufficient vaccination levels and the spread of new variants of COVID-19 have caused some governments to extend or reinstitute restrictions in impacted areas. During fiscal 2021, the Company’s facilities generally operated at normal levels.
The Company continues to focus its efforts on preserving the health and safety of its employees and customers, as well as maintaining the continuity of its operations. The Company modified its business practices in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including restricting non-essential employee travel, implementing remote work protocols, and limiting physical participation in meetings, events and conferences. The Company also instituted preventive measures at its facilities, including enhanced health and safety protocols, temperature screening, requiring face coverings for all unvaccinated employees and encouraging employees to follow similar protocols when away from work. The Company has adopted and implemented a
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multifaceted framework to guide its decision making as it reopens its offices and facilities to employees, and will continue to monitor and audit its facilities to ensure that they are in compliance with the Company’s COVID-19 safety requirements.
The Company initially experienced a decline in demand and volumes in its global businesses as a result of the impact of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, during portions of fiscal 2020, the Company experienced lower demand due to restricted access to customer sites to perform service and installation work as well as reduced discretionary capital spending by the Company's customers. In fiscal 2021, the Company has experienced increases in both demand and volumes as governments have distributed vaccines and lifted COVID-19-related restrictions, leading to increases in retrofit activity and, to a lesser extent, commercial building construction. The global pandemic has also provided the Company with the opportunity to help its customers prepare to re-open by delivering solutions and support that enhance the safety and increase the efficiency of their operations. As a result of the pandemic, the Company has seen an increase in demand for its products and solutions that promote building health and optimize customers’ infrastructure, including thermal cameras, indoor air quality, location-based services for contact tracing and touchless access control.
However, the Company continues to be influenced by COVID-19-related trends impacting site access and the labor force, which have and may continue to negatively impact the Company’s revenues and margins. Challenges in reaching sufficient vaccination levels and the introduction of new variants of COVID-19 have caused some governments to extend or reinstitute lockdowns and similar restrictive measures, which, in some cases, have limited the Company’s ability to access customer sites to install and maintain its products and deliver services. In addition, the Company has experienced and continues to experience labor shortages at certain facilities as the Company expands its production capacity to meet increased customer demand. Although the Company is mitigating these shortages through focused recruitment efforts and competitive compensation packages, the Company could continue to experience such shortages in the future. Recently, the U.S. Government has promulgated orders mandating vaccinations or regular COVID-19 testing for large employers and federal contractors. The Company’s efforts to comply with these mandates, including requiring that some or all of its employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, could result in increased labor attrition or disruption, and could adversely impact the Company’s ability to deliver services to our U.S. federal government customers and potentially other customers.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the resurgence of COVID-19 and its variants in regions recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the speed at which populations are vaccinated around the globe, the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity, and regulatory actions taken to contain its impact on public health and the global economy. See Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks related to COVID-19.
Restructuring and Cost Optimization Initiatives
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company has committed to various restructuring plans. In fiscal 2021, the Company announced its plans to optimize its cost structure through broad-based SG&A actions focused on simplification, standardization and centralization, with the intent to deliver annualized savings of $300 million by fiscal 2023. Additionally, the Company announced cost of sales actions to drive $250 million in annual run rate savings by fiscal 2023. For more information on the Company’s restructuring plans, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Restructuring.”
FISCAL YEAR 2021 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2020
Net Sales
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 23,668 | $ | 22,317 | 6 | % |
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($932 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($447 million) and incremental sales from acquisitions ($253 million), partially offset by lower sales due to business divestitures ($275 million) and the impact of nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($6 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, business acquisitions and divestitures and nonrecurring adjustments, consolidated net sales increased 4% as compared to the prior year, primarily attributable to the increased demand generated by the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
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Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 15,609 | $ | 14,906 | 5 | % | ||||
| Gross profit | 8,059 | 7,411 | 9 | % | ||||||
| % of sales | 34.1 | % | 33.2 | % |
Cost of sales and gross profit both increased and gross profit as a percentage of sales increased by 90 basis points. Gross profit increased due to organic sales growth, favorable year-over-year impact of net pension mark-to-market adjustments ($207 million) and business acquisitions, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($307 million) and business divestitures. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA").
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,258 | $ | 5,665 | -7 | % | ||||
| % of sales | 22.2 | % | 25.4 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") decreased by $407 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by 320 basis points. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to favorable year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments on pension plans ($453 million) and favorable impacts of cost mitigation actions and reductions in discretionary spend in the current year, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($97 million). Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 242 | $ | 783 | -69 | % |
Refer to Note 17, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," Note 18, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," and Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Net financing charges | $ | 206 | $ | 231 | -11 | % |
Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's net financing charges.
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Equity Income
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Equity income | $ | 261 | $ | 171 | 53 | % |
The increase in equity income was primarily due to higher income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on equity income of $12 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA.
Income Tax Provision
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||
| Income tax provision | $ | 868 | $ | 108 | * | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 33 | % | 12 | % |
* Measure not meaningful
The statutory tax rate in Ireland of 12.5% is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland.
For fiscal 2021, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was 33% and was higher than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the tax impacts of an intercompany transfer of certain of the Company’s intellectual property rights, valuation allowance adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives.
For fiscal 2020, the effective rate for continuing operations was 12% and was lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to tax audit reserve adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments, valuation allowance adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by a discrete tax charge related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of Swiss tax reform, the tax impact of an impairment charge and tax rate differentials.
The fiscal 2021 effective tax rate increased as compared to fiscal 2020 primarily due to the discrete tax items. The fiscal year 2021 and 2020 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to changes in entity tax status, global financing structures and alignment of the Company's global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 19, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
In October 2021, 136 out of 140 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("IF"), including Ireland, politically committed to potentially fundamental changes to the international corporate tax system, including the potential implementation of a global minimum corporate tax rate. While the details of these pronouncements presently remain unclear and timing of implementation uncertain, the impact of local country IF adoption could have a material impact on our effective tax rate in future periods. It is also possible that jurisdictions in which we do business could react to such IF developments unilaterally by enacting tax legislation that could adversely affect us or our affiliates.
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 124 | $ | — | * |
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
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Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 233 | $ | 164 | 42 | % |
The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to higher net income at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Global Products segment.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||
| Net income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,637 | $ | 631 | * |
* Measure not meaningful
The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to higher gross profit, lower restructuring and impairment costs and lower SG&A, partially offset by higher income tax provision. Fiscal 2021 diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $2.27 compared to $0.84 in fiscal 2020.
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
| Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls | $ | 1,979 | $ | 650 | * |
* Measure not meaningful
The increase in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls was due to higher net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($1,006 million) and an increase in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($323 million) resulting primarily from foreign currency translation adjustments. The favorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the strengthening of the Brazilian real, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar in the current year.
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
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| Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBITA for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Building Solutions North America | $ | 8,685 | $ | 8,605 | 1 | % | $ | 1,204 | $ | 1,157 | 4 | % | |||||||||
| Building Solutions EMEA/LA | 3,727 | 3,440 | 8 | % | 391 | 338 | 16 | % | |||||||||||||
| Building Solutions Asia Pacific | 2,654 | 2,403 | 10 | % | 349 | 319 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Global Products | 8,602 | 7,869 | 9 | % | 1,441 | 1,134 | 27 | % | |||||||||||||
| $ | 23,668 | $ | 22,317 | 6 | % | $ | 3,385 | $ | 2,948 | 15 | % |
Net Sales:
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($49 million), higher volumes ($27 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($4 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to a strong recovery in service sales across all domains, partially offset by a modest decline in installation sales driven by a decline in the new construction market.
•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was primarily attributable to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($135 million), higher volumes ($115 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($37 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher service and, to a lesser extent, installation sales. By region, growth in Europe was partially offset by a decline in the Middle East.
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to favorable volumes ($143 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($117 million), partially offset by business divestitures ($9 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher installation and service sales. Growth was led by a strong recovery in China.
•The increase in Global Products was due to favorable volumes ($647 million), incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($212 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($146 million), partially offset by business divestitures ($266 million) and the impact of nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($6 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to growth across Commercial and Residential HVAC as well as Fire & Security products. This growth was partially offset by a decline in Industrial Refrigeration.
Segment EBITA:
•The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to favorable volumes and productivity savings, net of prior year temporary cost mitigation actions ($31 million), prior year integration costs ($11 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($5 million).
•The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to favorable volumes and productivity savings, net of prior year temporary cost mitigation actions ($41 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($7 million), higher income due to business acquisitions ($5 million) and prior year integration costs ($2 million), partially offset by lower equity income ($2 million).
•The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($13 million), favorable volumes, net of prior year temporary cost mitigation actions ($12 million) and prior year integration costs ($7 million), partially offset by lower income due to business divestitures ($2 million).
•The increase in Global Products was due to favorable volumes and productivity savings, net of prior year temporary cost mitigation actions ($176 million), higher equity income ($72 million) driven primarily by certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture, a prior year compensation charge related to a noncontrolling interest acquisition ($39 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($30 million), prior year integration costs ($13 million) and incremental income related to business acquisitions ($13 million), partially offset by lower income due to business divestitures ($23 million) and Silent-Aire transaction costs and nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($13 million).
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
| September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Change | |||||||||
| Current assets | $ | 9,998 | $ | 10,053 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | (9,098) | (8,248) | ||||||||
| 900 | 1,805 | -50 | % | |||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (1,336) | (1,951) | ||||||||
| Add: Short-term debt | 8 | 31 | ||||||||
| Add: Current portion of long-term debt | 226 | 262 | ||||||||
| Working capital (as defined) | $ | (202) | $ | 147 | * | |||||
| Accounts receivable - net | $ | 5,613 | $ | 5,294 | 6 | % | ||||
| Inventories | 2,057 | 1,773 | 16 | % | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 3,746 | 3,120 | 20 | % |
* Measure not meaningful
•The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and the current portions of assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.
•The decrease in working capital at September 30, 2021 as compared to September 30, 2020, was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits liabilities, deferred revenue and lower income tax assets, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, an increase in inventory, and the favorable resolution of certain post-closing working capital and net debt adjustments related to the Power Solutions sale.
•The Company’s days sales in accounts receivable at September 30, 2021 were 58, a decrease from 63 at September 30, 2020. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or significant changes in revenue recognition methods.
•The Company’s inventory turns for the year ended September 30, 2021 were lower than the comparable period ended September 30, 2020 primarily due to changes in inventory production levels.
•Days in accounts payable at September 30, 2021 were 76 days, higher from 69 days for the comparable period ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to timing.
Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
| Year Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,551 | $ | 2,479 | ||
| Cash used by investing activities | (1,090) | (258) | ||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (2,131) | (2,824) |
•The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to favorable changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and higher pre-tax income, net of non-cash adjustments, partially offset by prior year income tax refunds and increases in accounts receivable and inventory.
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•The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to higher cash payments made for Silent-Aire and other acquisitions.
•The decrease in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to lower levels of share repurchases in fiscal year 2021, partially offset by lower long-term debt borrowings, net of repayments.
Capitalization
| September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Change | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 8 | $ | 31 | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 226 | 262 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt | 7,506 | 7,526 | ||||||||
| Total debt | 7,740 | 7,819 | -1 | % | ||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | 1,336 | 1,951 | ||||||||
| Total net debt | 6,404 | 5,868 | 9 | % | ||||||
| Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders | 17,562 | 17,447 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Total capitalization | $ | 23,966 | $ | 23,315 | 3 | % | ||||
| Total net debt as a % of total capitalization | 26.7 | % | 25.2 | % |
•Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a review of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
•The Company's material cash requirements primarily consist of working capital requirements, repayments of long-term debt and related interest, operating leases, dividends, capital expenditures and potential acquisitions and stock repurchases.
•Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities. Interest payable on long-term debt was $218 million due in the twelve months following September 30, 2021 and $3,468 million due thereafter.
•Refer to Note 9, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
•As of September 30, 2021, purchase obligations were $1,276 million payable in the next twelve months and $168 million payable thereafter. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements, and do not represent the entire anticipated purchases in the future.
•As of September 30, 2021, the Company expects to contribute $45 million and $495 million to the global pension and postretirement plans in the next twelve months and thereafter, respectively.
•As of September 30, 2021, approximately $5.1 billion remains available under the Company's share repurchase authorization, which does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to repurchase outstanding shares from time to time depending on market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and economic environment.
•In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company raised its annual dividend to $1.08 per share. The Company intends to continue paying quarterly dividends in fiscal 2022.
•The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2021 are adequate to meet projected needs. The Company believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchases, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions in fiscal 2022 will continue to be funded
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from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Company currently manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Company is unable to issue commercial paper, it would have the ability to draw on its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility which expires in December 2024 or its $0.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility which expires in December 2021. There were no draws on the revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company also selectively makes use of short-term credit lines other than its revolving credit facility. The Company, as of September 30, 2020, could borrow up to $3.0 billion based on committed credit lines. In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2021. As such, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future.
•The Company's ability to access the global capital markets and the related cost of financing is dependent upon, among other factors, the Company's credit ratings. As of September 30, 2021, the Company's credit ratings and outlook were as follows:
| Rating Agency | Short-Term Rating | Long-Term Rating | Outlook | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | A-2 | BBB+ | Stable | |||
| Moody's | P-2 | Baa2 | Stable |
The security ratings set forth above are issued by unaffiliated third party rating agencies and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization at any time.
•In September 2021, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A. (“TFSCA”), issued $500 million of sustainability-linked senior notes with an initial interest rate of 2.0%, which are due in 2031. Beginning in March 2026, the interest rate payable on the note will be increased by an additional 12.5 basis points per annum if the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions sustainability performance target is not met and an additional 12.5 basis points per annum if the Scope 3 emissions sustainability performance target is not met. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of near-term indebtedness. In September 2021, the Company repaid $193 million of notes which were due in December 2021 and a €200 million bank term loan which was issued in March 2021 and due in March 2022. The Company repaid $257 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of 4.25% fixed rate notes when they expired in March 2021. Additionally, during the fiscal year 2021 the Company repaid €43 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of 1.0% fixed rate notes which were due in September 2023.
•Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities requires a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures, governing its outstanding notes, and expect to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
•The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. However, in fiscal 2019, the Company provided income tax expense related to a change in the Company's assertion over the outside basis differences of the Company’s investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestiture of the Power Solutions business. Except as noted, the Company’s intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital
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through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
•The Company may from time to time purchase our outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Purchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
•Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on items impacting capitalization.
Restructuring
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company has committed to various restructuring plans. Restructuring plans generally result in charges for workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and other related costs which are reported as restructuring and impairment costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company expects the restructuring actions to reduce cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense.
•In fiscal 2021, the Company announced its plans to optimize its cost structure through broad-based SG&A actions focused on simplification, standardization and centralization, with the intent to deliver annualized savings of $300 million by fiscal 2023. Additionally, the Company announced cost of sales actions to drive $250 million in annual run rate savings by fiscal 2023. The one-time pre-tax costs associated with these actions are estimated to be approximately $385 million across all segments and at Corporate. During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded $242 million of costs resulting from the 2021 restructuring plan. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2023. The Company has outstanding restructuring reserves of $65 million at September 30, 2021, all of which is expected to be paid in cash.
•In fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $297 million of costs resulting from the 2020 restructuring plan. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2020 restructuring plans will reduce annual operating costs for continuing operations by approximately $430 million. The annual restructuring activities are substantially completed, and final payments are expected to be made in fiscal 2022. The Company has outstanding restructuring reserves of $37 million at September 30, 2021, all of which is expected to be paid in cash.
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Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the (i) $625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), (ii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), (iii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”) and (iv) $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.000% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes” and together with the 2032 Notes, the 2030 Notes and the 2027 Notes, the “Notes”), each issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and TFSCA, a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”). Refer to Note 10, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
TFSCA is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that is 99.996% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.004% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Notes are the Parent Company’s and TFSCA’s unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland and TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.
The following tables set forth summarized financial information of the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the “Obligor Group”) on a combined basis after intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including adjustments to remove the receivable and payable balances, investment in, and equity in earnings from, those subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries").
The following table presents summarized income statement information for the year ended September 30, 2021 (in millions):
| Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2021 | |||
| Net sales | $ | — | |
| Gross profit | — | ||
| Loss from continuing operations | (212) | ||
| Net loss | (212) | ||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | ||
| Net loss attributable to the entity | (212) |
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Excluded from the table above are the intercompany transactions between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
| Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2021 | |||
| Net sales | $ | — | |
| Gross profit | — | ||
| Income from continuing operations | 223 | ||
| Net income | 223 | ||
| Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | ||
| Net income attributable to the entity | 223 |
The following table presents summarized balance sheet information as of September 30, 2021 (in millions):
| September 30, 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 1,036 | |
| Noncurrent assets | 280 | ||
| Current liabilities | 1,825 | ||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 7,260 | ||
| Noncontrolling interests | — |
Excluded from the table above are the intercompany balances between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | $ | 465 | |
| Noncurrent assets | 2,992 | ||
| Current liabilities | 1,660 | ||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 7,199 | ||
| Noncontrolling interests | — |
The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following estimates are considered by management to be the most critical to the understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements as they require significant judgments that could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Total estimated costs at completion are based primarily on estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends and other economic projections. Factors that may result in a change to these estimates include unforeseen engineering problems, construction delays, the performance of subcontractors and major material suppliers, and weather conditions. As a result, changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract. Such estimates are reviewed monthly and any adjustments to the measure of completion are recognized as adjustments to sales and gross profit using the cumulative catch-up method. Estimated losses are recorded when identified.
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For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach.
The Company considers the contractual consideration payable by the customer and assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses the multiples of earnings approach based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics that are applied to the Company's average of historical and future financial results. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
Based on the fiscal 2021 annual impairment test, there were no goodwill impairments and no reporting unit was determined to be at risk of failing the goodwill impairment test.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and trade names and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. The key assumptions used in the impairment tests were long-term revenue growth projections, weighted-average cost of capital and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions.
There were no indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments resulting from the fiscal 2021 annual impairment test. The estimated fair values of all indefinite-lived intangibles substantially exceeded their carrying values, with the exception of the indefinite-lived trademark related to the Company's Asia Pacific subscriber businesses. The estimated fair value of the Asia Pacific indefinite-lived trademark was consistent with its carrying value of $38 million as of September 30, 2021.
The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests are reasonable, different assumptions or changes in general industry, market and macro-economic conditions, including a more prolonged and/or severe COVID-19 pandemic, could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, future impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions and postretirement benefits. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, based on the Company’s measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and health care cost trend rates as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
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The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 16, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are over funded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.
The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 2.50% and 2.25% at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on postretirement plans was 2.30% and 1.90% at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 1.80% and 1.35% at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 20% of the plans’ assets are invested in equity securities and 68% in fixed income securities, with the remainder primarily invested in alternative investments. For the years ending September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 6.50% and 6.90%, respectively. The actual rate of return on U.S. pension plans was above 6.50% in fiscal year 2021 and above 6.90% in fiscal year 2020. For the years ending September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension plan assets was 4.90% and 5.20%, respectively. The actual rate of return on non-U.S. pension plans was above 4.90% in fiscal year 2021 and below 5.20% in fiscal year 2020. For the years ending September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on postretirement plan assets was 5.30% and 5.70%, respectively. The actual rate of return on postretirement plan assets was above 5.30% in fiscal year 2021 and below 5.70% in fiscal year 2020.
Beginning in fiscal 2022, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 7.00%, 3.70% and 5.30% for U.S. pension, non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, respectively. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If the Company’s actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
In fiscal 2021, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the defined benefit pension plans were $65 million, none of which were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $42 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2021, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the postretirement plans were $3 million. The Company expects to contribute approximately $3 million in cash to its postretirement plans in fiscal 2022.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The mark-to-market adjustments represent actuarial gains (losses) arising from changes in actuarial assumptions and actuarial experiences different from those assumed that are used to value the plan assets and the benefit obligations. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains (losses) are changes in the discount rate used to value benefit obligations and the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets. As such, the mark-to-market adjustments are highly volatile and are difficult to forecast. Mark-to-market adjustments were $365 million, $(295) million and $(630) million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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The following chart illustrates the estimated increases (decreases) in projected benefit obligation and future ongoing pension expense, which excludes any potential mark-to-market adjustments, assuming an increase of 25 basis points in the key assumptions for our pension plans (in millions):
| Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | Change in Projected Benefit Obligation | Change in Ongoing Pension Expense | |||||||||||
| Discount rate | $ | (51) | $ | 5 | $ | (84) | $ | 4 | ||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | — | (6) | — | (5) |
A 25 basis point change in the discount rate would not have a material impact on our post-retirement benefit plan obligations.
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 23, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. Annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The
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Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 23, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes." Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2021, the Company had a valuation allowance of $5.9 billion for continuing operations, of which $5.2 billion relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom and the U.S. for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $0.7 billion for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2021, the Company had recorded a liability of $2.7 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 19, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities and stock-based compensation. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the
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hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of a recognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge). The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Equity swaps and any other derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 11, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $213 million and $363 million, respectively.
Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates. A 10% increase in the average cost of the Company’s variable rate debt would have had an immaterial impact on pre-tax interest expense for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
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Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Refer to Note 23, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.